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Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
One Trust, One Uniform
Transforming workforce identity across Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Overview
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust provides services to more than 800,000 people across Surrey, North West Hampshire, East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
Following the integration of multiple hospital and community sites, the trust inherited a varied and fragmented approach to uniforms, with a wide variety of colours and garment styles used across locations and professional groups – creating challenges for both patients and staff.
Recognising the need for greater consistency, the trust began exploring ways to standardise its uniforms with one clear goal: create a more consistent experience for patients while simplifying uniform provision for its large and diverse workforce.
As one of the earliest adopters of the NHS National Healthcare Uniform programme, the trust worked in partnership with alsico and NHS Supply Chain to introduce a standardised uniform solution for more than 7,000 colleagues.
The challenge
Prior to the introduction of the national uniform, patients visiting different hospitals and community locations across the trust frequently encountered mismatched uniforms for staff members carrying out the same roles, making it difficult for them to identify healthcare professionals and understand who was responsible for their care.
For the organisation, managing numerous uniform styles and suppliers also created additional administrative burden, stock challenges and procurement complexity.
At the same time, the trust wanted to ensure any future uniform offer reflected the needs of a modern NHS workforce, providing garments that were comfortable, practical and inclusive for all colleagues.
We wanted to change the uniforms, firstly for our patients. They were going between different sites and seeing all the different uniforms – I didn’t have a clue as a member of staff, so patients wouldn’t either.
Karen Jones, Senior Matron and NHS Uniform project lead
The solution
Working closely with alsico, Frimley Health implemented the NHS National Healthcare Uniform programme across its sites.
I can’t emphasise enough how important communications were. It was the absolute key learning point.
Karen Jones, Senior Matron and NHS Uniform project lead
The results
Today, more than 7,000 colleagues across the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust wear the NHS National Healthcare Uniform, creating a consistent identity for healthcare professionals across its hospitals and community services.
Feedback from patients shows the clarity provided by the standardised colour palette has strengthened role recognition and reduced confusion – especially amongst those who access services across multiple sites.
Meanwhile, staff have reported greater comfort throughout long shifts, improved temperature regulation and increased practicality in day-to-day clinical settings thanks to the modern scrub-style garments and lightweight fabrics.
The programme has also simplified uniform provision across the trust, improving stock management, streamlining procurement and ensuring new starters feel supported thanks to the provision of the correct uniform on their first day.
The successful rollout demonstrates how a standardised uniform programme can deliver meaningful benefits for both patients and staff. By working closely with alsico and NHS Supply Chain, Frimley Health has introduced a consistent, inclusive uniform solution that has improved role recognition, enhanced staff comfort and simplified uniform management.
NHS Healthcare Uniforms supplier
What is the NHS Healthcare Uniform Framework?
The NHS Healthcare Uniforms Framework is a national initiative, introduced in 2024, that aims to revolutionise how NHS Healthcare Uniforms are sourced and supplied across NHS Trusts in England. It brings exceptional value for money, enhanced sustainability, an improved professional image, and fosters an inclusive culture where everyone feels recognised and valued.
NHS Supply Chain leads this project to introduce a nationally standardised approach to hospital uniforms across England, simplifying procurement for NHS Trusts and introducing high-quality, innovative healthcare uniforms developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
The NHS Supply Chain Uniform Framework is expected to yield 30% cost savings nationally, reflecting the values of innovation, adaptability, and unity. For NHS England Trusts, the new NHS Healthcare Uniform represents a significant step forward in standardised, sustainable uniform provision.
Healthcare environments we provide uniforms for
Healthcare providers
Mobility, total hygiene and comfort. The high demands of an operating theatre are reflected one by one in our clean-air healthcare tunics and healthcare trousers.
Healthcare science
From support areas to research labs, our healthcare garments uphold the highest standards, ensuring consistency and excellence throughout your healthcare sciences.
Support services
Ensuring your entire operation is clothed in the very best, our workwear solutions for non-clinical areas ensure a consistent and high-quality result for your business.
Business administration
Our range embodies a perfect blend of style and durability and meets the needs of the workplace environment. Experience the transformation our office wear solutions can bring to your role.
Food services
Food preparation in a healthcare environment demands superior quality, high durability, and comfort for long shifts in the kitchens.
Contamination control
When the height of safety is required, our healthcare garments for high-demand areas are made to perform.
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