Why are nurses allowed to wear their uniforms outside the hospital?
Uniforms have a dual role. They identify individuals by discipline (or department) and provide a standard of wear that promotes infection prevention and control by being easily washed and styled in an acceptable fashion. All personnel wearing uniforms are expected to follow the uniform policy for the Trust. This includes how to wash them and to cover them when outside. Because staff use aprons when in contact with personnel and bedding, uniforms do not become contaminated to a level which would be a risk to them, their families or the public.
