Maternity Services Uniform Protocol
For Midwives, Nurses, Nursery Nurses
and Maternity Care Assistants (CG512)
Approval and Authorisation
Approved by
Job Title or Chair of
Committee
Date
Maternity & Children’s Services
Clinical Governance Committee
Chair, Maternity Clinical
Governance Committee
7th October
2016
Change History
Version
Date
Author
Reason
1.0
May 2013
J Tuckey (DS Manager)
Trust requirement
2.0
June 2014
L Rough (Matron for
Hospital Services)
Reviewed
3.0
Sept 2016
G Valentine (Director of
Midwifery)
Reviewed
Author:
Job Title:
Policy Lead:
Gill Valentine
Director of Midwifery
Location:
Policy hub/ Clinical/ Maternity/ Professional guidelines/ GL912
Group Director Urgent Care
This document is valid only on date last printed
Date:
Review Date:
Version:
October 2016
October 2018
th
3.0 ratified 7 Oct 2016
Mat CG mtg
Page 1 of 4
Maternity Services Uniform Protocol (CG512)
This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Trust Uniform and
Work wear Protocol (CG196)
Professional responsibilities
Staff should be aware of the importance of maintaining a professional appearance when in
Uniform and that the standard of dress must enhance public confidence. Midwives and others
must, because of their professional accountability, be aware of the consequences, which could
arise if they wear uniform in public places outside trust premises.
To promote public confidence staff must not travel to work in their uniforms and should use
the staff changing rooms to change into their uniform at work.
Professional appearance
Hair
In clinical settings hair should be off the collar and back from the face
Hair bands, ‘scrunchies’ and slides may be used but should be discreet
and in a dark colour, e.g. navy/black.
Nails
Nails should be short and clean (not beyond fingertips).
Nail varnish must not be worn
False or acrylic nails/extensions are unacceptable
Make-Up
Should be discreet.
Jewellery
Rings: only wedding rings should be worn when in uniform and
performing clinical duties.
Chains, if worn, must not be visible. Wrist-watches must not be worn in
clinical areas.
Body Piercing
One pair of plain stud earrings is acceptable. Only one earring may be
worn in each lobe. There should be no other visible form of body
piercing. Nose studs may NOT be worn on duty. Other studs, etc. must
not be visible
Uniform
Tunic
Community staff will be issued with a relevant uniform to the role
(Navy for midwives and pink for MCA)
Author:
Job Title:
Policy Lead:
Gill Valentine
Director of Midwifery
Location:
Policy hub/ Clinical/ Maternity/ Professional guidelines/ GL912
Group Director Urgent Care
This document is valid only on date last printed
Date:
Review Date:
Version:
October 2016
October 2018
th
3.0 ratified 7 Oct 2016
Mat CG mtg
Page 2 of 4
Maternity Services Uniform Protocol (CG512)
Navy trousers are to be worn and are provided as part of the uniform.
Alternatively, you may purchase your own, however, they should be
smart, tailored, full length and it is advisable to have pockets for pens,
etc.
Trousers
Scrubs may be worn for home delivery
Cardigans /
Sweatshirts
All cardigans and sweatshirts should be plain navy (midwives, nurses
and nursery nurses) or burgundy (Maternity Care Assistants).
Department ‘logos’ may be worn, if appropriate. Cardigans and
sweatshirts should only be worn when away from clinical areas and not
when performing care.
Scrub Suits
Staff working in the maternity unit will be issued with navy scrubs.
Shoes
Footwear colour should be discreet and a sensible professional colour
when worn with a uniform.
Footwear should be lace up or slip on full shoe and have a soft sole
and heel to minimise noise. These are provided by the staff member.
Backless and/or open toe shoes or sandals, mules and flip flops must
not be worn as these constitute a hazard (manual Handling Operations
Regulations, 1992). If alternative footwear is required for medical
purposes, the individual will be required to provide medical evidence
and discuss the preferred option with their manager who will need to
consider Infection Control and Health and Safety policy. Clean plain
black trainers may be worn.
NB: staff who do not comply with the footwear policy and subsequently
sustain an injury may be held to be contributory negligent should any
claim arise.
Name Badges
Trust identification cards and name badges must be worn at all times.
Tights
Should be plain, natural or black.
Socks
Should be navy/black. They are only to be worn with trousers.
Outdoor Uniform
A fleece is provided for Community staff. All other staff should wear
appropriate outwear (see general statement below).
Author:
Job Title:
Policy Lead:
Gill Valentine
Director of Midwifery
Location:
Policy hub/ Clinical/ Maternity/ Professional guidelines/ GL912
Group Director Urgent Care
This document is valid only on date last printed
Date:
Review Date:
Version:
October 2016
October 2018
th
3.0 ratified 7 Oct 2016
Mat CG mtg
Page 3 of 4
Maternity Services Uniform Protocol (CG512)
General Statement
In the interest of reducing the risk of infection to mothers and babies,
indoor uniform should not be worn outside the hospital precincts except
in the line of duty. The Staff Residences at Redlane Court and Erleigh
Road flats are accepted as being within the hospital precincts. Uniform
must not be worn for activities such as shopping, visiting friends, etc.
Protective Clothing
Where supplied, protective clothing must be worn, e.g. protective
spectacles, aprons, gloves and sleeves.
Issue, Alteration,
Repair
The sewing room at The Royal Berkshire Hospital is responsible for all
uniform issued by them. It must be returned for alteration, repair or on
termination of employment.
Extreme temperature
conditions
During unforeseen extremes of temperature, variance with the uniform
policy may be allowed in agreement with the Executive Director of
Nursing and on the advice of the Occupational Health Policy.
It is assumed that uniforms will be laundered by the individual, bearing
in mind the recommended washing instructions. Uniforms should not
be regarded as personal protective clothing and plastic aprons or other
relevant personal protective clothing should be worn to protect the
uniform / work clothing from contamination.
Laundry
If uniforms do become visibly contaminated, they should be changed as
soon as practically possible. Uniform / work clothing should be cleaned
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wherever this is
undertaken in a domestic washing machine, the wash cycle should be
the hottest that the fabric can withstand according to the garment care
label. Overloading of the machine should be avoided to ensure that
adequate dilution is achieved during the washing process.
A 10 minute wash at 60ºC is sufficient to remove almost all microorganisms.
Uniforms should be tumble dried and / or ironed to further reduce the
risk of residual contamination
Staff identification
Midwives – Navy
Maternity Care Assistant – Burgundy or Pink
Nurses – Blue
Nursery Nurses – Green
Author:
Job Title:
Policy Lead:
Gill Valentine
Director of Midwifery
Location:
Policy hub/ Clinical/ Maternity/ Professional guidelines/ GL912
Group Director Urgent Care
This document is valid only on date last printed
Date:
Review Date:
Version:
October 2016
October 2018
th
3.0 ratified 7 Oct 2016
Mat CG mtg
Page 4 of 4