The Department of Health published an evidence-base in 2007 to support the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice requirements relating to workwear and uniforms. They also need to be able to provide hand hygiene support. In 2010, this was revised to include important equality and diversity measures that can be used to accommodate religious groups.
The guidance has been archived on Government’s website. NHS workers and employers reported difficulty in accessing it and in implementing it with their local commissioners.
The NHS Improvement and NHS England released the revised Guidance. This was a joint initiative led by key stakeholders such as NHS Employers and the British Medical Association.
For an NHS waterproof jacket visit this website.
These are the modifications to the Guidance
Minor policy and legal changes to sections 1, 2, 3
The Headwear concept builds on the Uniform and Dress Codes policies developed and implemented by University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, May
Appendix B relates to legal update post 2010 guidance
Check with infection control colleagues for updates.
What does the NHS Rainbow Badge signify?
There may be an increase in the number of NHS Rainbow badge-wearing staff at University Hospitals. Here’s why you may notice an increase in staff wearing a NHS Rainbow badge at University Hospitals. It might not be the reason you think.
The covid response has highlighted the NHS Rainbow, which is correct. However, the true roots and meaning of the NHS Rainbow are symbolic. It serves as a sign for safety for LGBT+ employees and patients.
Evelina London Children’s Hospitals first created the badge concept. They recognised that there were health inequalities, and they felt unable to openly communicate with their health care providers.
Staff members are sending a message of support to their patients and families by promising to wear the badge and pledging that they will uphold its meaning. Already, more than 1300 healthcare professionals have pledged to do so.
Lenny Byrne is the Chief Nurse and Director in Integrated Clinical Professions. He helped implement the scheme after he arrived here in 2019.
Lenny was asked about the significance for the NHS Rainbow Badge. He said that as healthcare professionals, he might be the first person to whom someone feels comfortable talking about their feelings. This will be one of their most significant moments in life and they will always remember how they responded to it.
“We have seen in the past that negative experiences have a lasting effect on health and can lead to health inequalities. 1 in 7 LGBT+ members avoid healthcare out of fear of being discriminated. This alarming statistic comes at a time when depression, anxiety and other mental disorders among LGBT+ people are on the rise.
“The NHS Rainbow Badge – A simple visible symbol to let people understand that we can have a conversation with you about your identity, how you feel and who you are – without judgement.”