Hi All,

I was wondering about your thoughts and experiences of uniforms and uniform policy in the hospital environment.

Where I work there is a uniform, but we are able to wear our own clothes within guidelines - such as no jeans, short skirts, low cut tops etc. In addition people tend to wear scrubs when working on labour ward. Our trust are in process of banning crocs as footwear as well.... and the lastest thing is that they are trying to stop us wearing brightly coloured or patterned socks....

What is it like where you are? Does everyone wear uniform, or not? Do you feel that uniform has an impact on the midwife's ability to communicate with women? Or an effect on the woman's perception of the midwife?

In the Trust where I work we do have a strict uniform policy: tunics & trousers or dresses. Plain black socks & shoes. No jewellery (other than wedding rings and a single stud). Long hair has to be put up etc. If anyone does not confirm, they are told off.

The uniforms in the trust are all very similar in style, but different colours for nurses, midwives, HCAs, students, physios etc. The sisters wear navy and matrons royal blue. This was said to be because there was a recommendation a few years ago (could have been from the "Confidential Enquiries" paper...?) that said senior staff should be easily recognisable, which helps in cases of emergency.

Personally I like it. I think we all look professional. The women know instantly who we are. We know exactly where we stand re our dress code. And, I like having my work clothes completely separate from home clothes.

Community Midwives do wear civi's. This is for their safety.