POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
Policy Responsibilities and Authorisation
Department Responsible for Policy
Organisational Support
Document Facilitator Name
Tracey Ashworth
Document Facilitator Title
Human Resources Business Partner
Document Owner Name
Kate Coley
Document Owner Title
Executive Director Organisational Support
1982
Target Audience
Al  Waikato DHB Employees, External Personnel
and Volunteers.
Authorised By
Executive Leadership Team  ACT
Date Authorised
1 December 2021
Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Waikato District Health Board specifically for its
own use. Use of this document and any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party
is at their own risk and Waikato District Health Board assumes no responsibility whatsoever.
Information
Policy Review History
Version
Updated by
Date Updated  Summary of Changes
Official
07
Nicola Purves &
Combined 2174 Dress Standards Professional Image and
Vicki Parry
5732 Dress and Hygiene Standards policies
the
08
Elspeth Baker-
Changed HR contact for uniform alternatives.  Added
Vevers
clarification of standards required for non-clinical
employees in 4.4.
under
Released
Doc ID:  2174
Version:  08
Issue Date:  1 DEC 2021
Review Date:  1 DEC 2024
Facilitator Title:
Human Resources Advisor
Department:
Organisational Support
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
1. Introduction
1.1  Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure employees are clear on the standard of dress,
hygiene and appearance whilst at work, whether wearing a uniform or non-uniform.
Some areas will require service specific requirements reflecting their particular needs that
will complement this policy.
1.2  Scope
This policy applies to all Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employees, external
1982
personnel, volunteers and students.
1.3  Background
ACT
Waikato DHB expects employees to present a professional clinical and corporate image in
dress and behaviour which inspires public confidence in the organisation.
Due to the nature of health work infection prevention control, and health and safety it is in
the best interests of patients and employees that appropriate uniforms, protective
equipment and footwear is provided in some areas.  Uniforms are also provided for most
customer facing roles to help patients better identify employees and the service they work
Information
for.
1.4  Scope
Al  Waikato DHB employees, external personnel, volunteers while on placement.
Official
the
2. Definitions
Casual
A relaxed, tidy style of dress suitable for every day wear.
Clinical Care
Clinical care is any time personnel are in an environment where clinical care
under
may be provided and includes that which involves physical touching or
handling of a patient e.g. lifting, turning, undertaking procedures such as
taking vital signs, medications, dressings, Infection and Control requirements
– isolation etc.
Corporate
The impression of Waikato DHB that is imparted to the public.
image
External
Contractors, agency temporary workers, students on placements, any other
personnel
relevant persons of interest and non employees.
Released
Offensive
In this policy the term offensive includes, offensive language, gang
affiliations, racist or religious statements.  What an ordinary and reasonable
person would consider to wound the feelings of, or arouse real anger,
resentment, disgusts or outrage.
Professional
A health-care provider’s personal appearance must project professionalism
and competence to engender trust in patients. Conveying professionalism in
the workplace encompasses the way we communicate, how we express
courtesy and body language, and what we wear. Standardized uniform style
and colour. Wear photo ID badge at all times. ID badge is to be worn at
chest level.
Doc ID:  2174
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Review Date:  1 DEC 2024
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
3. Policy Statements
• Employees are expected to present a professional clinical and corporate image and
behaviour which inspires public confidence in Waikato DHB.
• Infection prevention & control and health and safety issues are addressed.
• Easy identification of role, profession and individual employee is maximised through clear
and visible identification
• Waikato DHB recognises the diversity of cultures, religions and disabilities of its employees
and wil  take a sensitive approach when this affects dress and uniform requirements.
However, priority wil  be given to clinical, health and safety, security and infection1982
prevention and control considerations.
ACT
4. Policy Processes
4.1  Roles and Responsibilities
All Employees
• All employees are required to comply with the standards of dress and personal
appearance appropriate to their service area at all times.
• Return uniforms and identification badges upon end of employment at Waikato DHB.
Information
Please return your items to Bryant Education Centre Auditorium.
Clinical Employees
• All employees are required to comply with the specific infection prevention and control
requirements.
Official
the
Managers
• Responsible for communicating service specific requirements.
• Ensure compliance with requirements of this policy and any service specific
requirements in respect of the employees they manage.
under
4.2  All Employees
4.2.1  Identification
Identity badges must be worn in a prominent position at all times.
In certain iden
Released  tified areas (e.g. Mental Health and Addiction Services), for personal
security and privacy reasons, it may not be advisable to openly display an identification
badge. In this circumstance, the line manager’s approval must be given for the
authorised Waikato DHB identification badge not to be visible. However, it must be
accessible at all times by being retained for example, in a pocket, and must be
displayed on demand. A personal name badge must be worn and be visible. This may
have the person’s first name only if approved by the line manager.
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
4.2.2  Tattoos
• It is recognised that in today’s society many individuals now have tattoos. Where an
employee has a tattoo in an area that remains exposed when wearing their uniform
or clothing this must not be offensive. Where a tat oo is considered of ensive, as
defined in this policy, the individual wil  be requested to cover the tattoo during work
hours.
• Taa Moko wil  not be asked to be covered.
4.2.3  Footwear
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• Footwear must be appropriate to the role employed. Footwear colour should be
discreet and a sensible professional colour when worn with a uniform.
• Sensible plain, low heels and shoes that are clean and in good repair and
ACT   provide
good support and an enclosed toe must be worn in clinical and front line working
areas, to prevent damage to toes should a crush or other injury occur. Footwear
must enclose the whole foot, and have non-slip soft soles.
• Footwear should be a lace up or slip–on full shoe and have a soft sole and heel to
minimise noise. These are provided by the employee. Backless and/or open toe
shoes or sandals, jandals must not be worn as these constitute a hazard. Shoes
Information
made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or petroleum derived foam e.g. Crocs; or
shoes made from similar material are not acceptable for infection prevention and
control reasons. Theatre crocs made of a medical grade material are acceptable.
• Certain roles require employees to wear protective footwear. Where protective
Official
footwear is provided, or an allowance given for this, it must be worn in the
workplace.
the
4.3  Clinical Employees - Uniformed and Non-Uniformed
4.3.1  Clinical Employees – Uniformed
under
• Al  services that require personnel to wear uniforms will make these available.
• A clean uniform must be worn each day.
• Approved uniforms must be worn in a clean and presentable fashion at all times.
• Uniforms for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are issued by Bryant
Education Centre team on Extension 98642. Uniforms for allied health employees
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are issued by the line manager.
• A sweatshirt, cardigan or vest may be worn over the top of the uniform for warmth to
and from the clinical work area.
• If thermal undergarments are worn beneath the uniform it must not be any longer
than the uniform sleeve length and must comply with bare ‘below the elbows’
directives.
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
• Head scarves / Hijab / tudongs are to be either issued as part of the uniform or to be
plain in colour similar to that of the main uniform worn, fit ed to the head and neck
and tucked into the uniform top.  There should be no adornments on the head scarf
i.e. sequins, fringing, beading, etc.
4.3.2  Clinical Employees – Non-uniformed
• Neat clean clothes. Professional and professional casual clothing. Clothing should
support good infection control, in accordance with this policy.
• Headscarves must be clean and professional looking.
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4.3.3  Contamination
• If uniforms become contaminated with blood or body fluids during a shift,
ACT  contact the
duty nurse manager or coordinator (for rural hospital employees) who wil  advise of
the process for a replacement.
• If uniform is visibly contaminated / soiled this must be changed as soon as possible.
4.3.4  Laundry
• Some degree of contamination, even on a uniform or clothing w
Information hich is not visibly
soiled will exist. A clean and freshly laundered uniform or clothing must be worn
daily in clinical areas.
• They should be washed separately from other clothing in a hot water wash of 65O for
at least 10 minutes or in a cold wash then
Official  tumble dried or ironed on a hot setting.  If
a tumble dryer and/or iron is not available it is acceptable to dry uniforms on a
washing line.
the
• Scrubs must be cleaned by the hospital laundry and must not be removed from the
work place.
under
4.3.5  Travelling in Uniform
Uniforms may be worn whilst travelling to and from work with the exception of theatre
employees or any other employees wearing scrubs. Theatre employees and any other
employees wearing scrubs are required to change in the designated area.
If a uniform is ruined or soiled during work hours, a replacement uniform can be
Released
organised by contacting the BEC team (Waikato Hospital only), scrubs must not be
worn offsite.
Employees are discouraged from wearing uniforms in public places e.g. shops,
supermarkets. Should circumstances arise where this is necessary, every effort must
be made to cover the uniform e.g. coat / jacket should be worn.
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
4.3.6  Uniform Alternatives
• Employees wishing to wear an alternative uniform or additional items of clothing
must obtain written approval from the Manager – HR Operations.  The Manager –
HR Operations will consult with the relevant professional lead as appropriate.
• For Powhiri plain black clothing is required.  Women are to wear black dresses or
black skirts below the knee and men should wear black trousers.
4.3.7  Providing Clinical Care
• Lanyards must be tucked into the top or removed.
1982
• Neck ties must be tucked into the top or removed when providing clinical care given
to patients e.g. wound management
ACT
• Clinical employees must remove their sweat shirts / cardigans and jackets when
providing clinical care involving patient handling so that arms are bare below the
elbows
• Any other items of clothing with long sleeves must be pushed up / rolled up above
the elbow to allow effective hand hygiene practice when in a clinical environment; a
bare below the elbows approach must be taken.
Information
• In areas that provide disposable over sleeves these may be worn over the skin up to
where the sleeves have been pushed / rolled up to.
• Clothing that hinders proper patient examination or observation may not be worn.
Official
4.3.8  Personal Grooming
• Hair, moustaches and beards must be washed regularly and kept clean and tidy.
the
• Hair, moustaches and beards must be containable when using personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as masks and hats. Employees may be required to remove
their beards and/or moustaches if they are unable to obtain fit testing for PPE –
under
especially N95 masks.
• In clinical areas hair must be tied back and contained in a plait, bun or net.  Hair
must be of  the shoulders.
• Employees are to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and cleanliness
including minimisation of strong body odour, perfumes or body sprays.
Released
4.3.9  Nails
Finger nails should be kept short and clean. When viewed from the palm of the hand
the natural fingernails should not project far beyond the pad of the finger.  Clinical
employees must not wear nail varnish, nail art or artificial nails whilst on duty. The
wearing of acrylic or gel nails is strictly forbidden, as they pose an infection control risk.
4.3.10  Jewellery and Piercings
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
• Some work areas may prohibit the wearing of jewellery where hazards have been
identified that pose a risk to safe work practices.  In such areas this wil  be
documented in the service specific protocol.
• In work environments providing clinical care, provided that it does not interfere with
the provision of safe work practices, the wearing of jewellery must be limited to the
following:
o Studs or sleepers only in facial piercings.
o Flat ring only without stones e.g. wedding ring.
o One neck chain or one cultural item may be worn which must sit close to the neck
or be able to be tucked into the uniform top.
1982
o Medic alert bracelet / neck chain if required.
• Wristwatches and activity trackers are not to be worn when providing clinical care.
ACT
• If a medic alert bracelet is worn, it must be removed when providing clinical care
involving patient handling and for all hand hygiene.  It is preferred that medic alerts
are necklace type rather than bracelets. Bracelets may be pinned to the uniform
4.3.11  Maternity
Maternity uniforms are available via BEC team and can be provided to personnel for
the duration of pregnancy.  The uniforms must be returned to the li
Information ne manager on the
last day of work prior to commencing maternity leave.
4.3.12  Termination of Employment  Official
Uniforms remain the property of the Waikato DHB and must be handed in by
employees who leave or retire. ID badges must also be returned before leaving
the
employment. Failure to do so may delay the exiting process and could result in
deductions being made to final pay to recoup the cost of such items.
4.4  Non-Clinical Employees
under
• Clothing must be neat, clean, and appropriate to the area in which the employees are
working.
• Positions that are client facing (internal or external clients) wil  require smart business
like attire, more so than non-client facing roles which can be tidy casual.
• Clothing mus
Released t be worn at modest length and style ensuring acceptable coverage of
skin.
• All types of jandals or flip flops and track pants are not considered appropriate, nor is
damaged or torn clothing (including fashionably distressed items).
• Clothing must not promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, food or drink as this may contradict
our healthy people vision.
• Clothing must not contain language, symbols or images which could be of ensive e.g.
swearing, gang affiliations, racist or religious statements
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
• Hair, moustaches and beards must be washed regularly and kept clean and tidy.
• Employees are to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and cleanliness including
minimisation of strong body odour.
4.5  Health & Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
A number of clinical and non-clinical employee groups are required to wear protective
clothing as part of their individual role. The principles are based upon the need for patient
safety, personal safety and legislative requirements.
• Departmental risk assessments wil  indicate where personnel are required to wear
specific protective equipment such as a selected type of footwear or clothing.
1982
• Health & Safety requirements will take priority over cultural, religious and personal
expectations when determining dress standards.
ACT
4.6  Smokefree Environment
• Al  Waikato DHB personnel must not smoke publicly during working hours.
• Waikato DHB personnel members who leave the grounds and facilities to smoke may
do so during designated meal breaks but are required to conceal any reference or
identification as Waikato DHB personnel (while smoking).
Information
• Identification badges should be removed and uniforms covered as per the Waikato
DHB Smokefree / Tobacco free – Auahi Kore / Tupeka Kore policy (Ref. 0121)
• Uniforms or clothing must not smell of tobacco smoke.
Official
5. Audit
the
5.1  Indicators
• Audits show at least 90% compliance to:
o Bare below the elbows in clinical areas
o Approved jewellery w
under orn only
o Adherence to correct uniform
5.2  Tools
• Infection Prevention & Control Uniform Audit
Released
6. Legislative Requirements
6.1  Legislation
• Health & Safety at Work Act 2015
• Human Rights Act 1993
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POLICY
Dress, Hygiene and Professional Standards
6.2  Associated Waikato DHB Documents
• Waikato DHB Exiting policy (Ref. 0894)
• Waikato DHB Managing Behaviour and Performance policy (Ref. 5250)
• Waikato DHB Poowhiri and Whakatau guideline (Ref. 1847)
• Waikato DHB Smokefree / Tobacco free – Auahi Kore / Tupeka Kore policy (Ref. 0121)
• Waikato DHB Operating Theatre Surgical At ire procedure (Ref. 4701)
• Lippincott Hand Hygiene Procedure
1982
7. Associated Documents
7.1  Bibliography
ACT
• Uniforms and Workwear: Guidance on uniform and workwear policies for NHS
personnel
• Uniforms and Workwear: An evidence base for developing local policy Dress,
Appearance and Uniform Policy: Newcastle on Tyne NHS Foundation Trust
Wilson et all 2007 as cited in RCN (2009) Guidance on uniforms and work wear, 2nd
Ed.
Information
• Standard NZ: Laundry Practice AS/NZS 4146:2000
Official
the
under
Released
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MEMO – Waikato only
To:
Operations Managers,   Team Leaders, Associate Team Leaders, Nurse Educators,
Clinical Nurse Coordinators,  Clinical Nurse Specialists, Charge Nurse Managers,
Associate Charge Nurses Managers, Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Support
Workers, Mental Health Assistants (also known as Psychiatric Assistants, Health
Assistants).
PSA Union -  [email address]
Daryl Gatenby - [email address]
1982
NZNO Union -  [email address]
Nigel Dawson - [email address]
ACT
CC. Sue Critchley, Sue Hayward, Kylie Balzer, John Kanawa
From:
Suzette Poole (Nurse Director) and Vicki Aitken (Operations Director), Eve Martin, (Human
Resource Business Partner,
Date:
7 March 2024
Information
Subject:
Proposed directive to PSA and NZNO nurses and mental health assistants (including
Psychiatric Assistants, all Health Care Assistants, and Support Workers) regarding
uniforms in Mental Health and Addiction Services at Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora
Waikato.
Official
the
You may be aware that there have been ongoing discussions about uniforms for nurses and mental
health assistants (including Psychiatric Assistants, all Health Care Assistants, and Support Workers
working  in  Mental  Health  and  Addiction  Services.  We  have  had  discussions  with  the  unions
regarding this proposed directive in the fortnight. This was via a memo sent to both PSA and NZNO.
under
We  are  now  working  with  the  unions  and  have  received  initial  feedback  requesting  further
information about the rationale for the proposed directive which is outlined below. The unions have
also requested that opportunities to provide feedback. Nurses and mental health assistants will have
the opportunity to provide feedback via two face to face meetings or via an electronic survey.
Rationale for proposed directive
The rationale behind having uniforms for the MH&A inpatient services as below;
Released
Visual identification:
Visual identification of staff has become increasingly difficult with more casual attire worn by staff.
We have received feedback from other staff members, tāngata whaiora, and their whānau that at
times  it  is  not  obvious  who  staff  members  are.  Having  a  uniform  helps  make  staff  identifiable  to
others which is particularly important if an incident occurs. If a tangata whaiora or whānau requires
assistance, they know to look for a person in a uniform.
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Professionalism and tāngata whaiora trust: The clothing worn in the units in some cases falls
below our Dress, Hygiene, and Professional Standards policy. When nurses and health assistants
wear neat and tidy uniforms, it shows they are professional. Tāngata whaiora and their whānau see
staff in uniforms as being approachable which makes them feel more confident in the care they are
receiving.
Health NZ Unity:
Nurse and Health Assistant uniforms provide a standardised appearance. Our Mental Health and
Addiction  service  is  the  only  Waikato  hospital-based  inpatient  team  where  nurses  or  healthcare
assistants are not wearing uniforms. The uniform unifies the profession and brings inclusivity to all
1982
areas of the Waikato Campus where employees in the same role where the same uniform.
Standardised Infection  Control:  Nurse  and  health  assistant  uniforms  ensure  that  all  healthcare
ACT
professionals follow the same infection control practices. This uniformity reduces the risk of oversight
and enhances overall hygiene protocols. This is particularly important with the continued episodes
of COVID-19 infections in the inpatient mental health units.
Suitability: The uniforms consist of two pieces with either a tunic or a polo shirt worn with shorts or
trousers which are suitable attire in the event either a nurse or mental health assistant may need to
psychically restrain a tangata whaiora.
Hygienic  Material  Choices:  The  choice  of  fabric  for  uniforms  can  impact  their  ability  to  resist
Information
moisture and microbial growth. Modern fabrics with antimicrobial properties can further enhance the
hygiene of uniforms.
After considering several factors and to take away any confusion, the Mental Health and Addiction
Service wishes to reaffirm our position around uniforms and explicitly issue a directive.
Official
The  decision  for  optional  non-branded  uniforms  for  community  nurses  and  support  workers  is  to
make available a uniform that is more suited to the community given that care is provided in a range
the
of community practice settings. We have therefore left this as optional at this stage.
We are proposing the below directive and seek your feedback please
under
Inpatient services
 From  Friday  31  May  2024,  it  will  be  mandatory  for  ALL  inpatient  nurses  and  mental  health
assistants, (including Psychiatric Assistants & Health Care Assistants) covered under NZNO and
PSA collectives working in all mental health and addiction inpatient units to wear the standard-
issue uniforms for nurses and health care assistants.
 Before this date, line managers will work with the Bryant Education Centre staff who will manage
Released
a phased approach to supply those nurses and mental health assistants who do not currently
wear a uniform with the standard issue uniforms.
 From  31  May  2024  ALL  inpatient  nurses and mental  health assistants  (including  Psychiatric
Assistants & Health Care Assistants) covered under NZNO and PSA collectives must wear the
uniform supplied and as of that same date, anyone in receipt of clothing or laundry allowances
will have this cease.
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Community practice
 It will not be mandatory to wear a uniform in community practice settings. Te Whatu Ora Waikato
will be providing an updated uniform for all nurses and community support workers working in
community settings covered under both the NZNO and PSA collectives may choose to wear.
 The uniform offered to the community practice settings will be;
Charge nurse managers:
Dark blue polo shirt
All other nurses:
Light blue polo shirt
Community Support worker:
Maroon polo shirt
These tops will be worn with either standard-issue blue trousers or blue shorts.
 Before this date, line managers will work with the Bryant Education Centre staff who will manage
1982
a phased approach to supply those who wish to wear the new community uniforms.
 From Friday 28 June 2024 uniforms will be available to all nurses and support workers working
in a community practice setting and as of that same date anyone in receipt of a clothing or laundry
ACT
allowance will have this cease.
Open meetings will be held for all affected staff to attend either in person or via the teams link below.
Date:
13 March 2024
Time:
1.30pm to 2.30pm
Information
Where:
HRBC - Level 3, HRBC Meeting Room 1
Teams Link:  https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-
join/19%3ameeting_MjBmMjk4Y2EtOTBjOC00NjE3LTk4ZWItYTBkM2U1ZjRiMDhl%40thread.v2/0
Official
?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2240ee1041-32d4-4b36-8b4f-
c1d6fd035337%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2292de4cb2-17dd-45f7-a3c9-f0269e0f6e6f%22%7d
the
Date:
15 March 2024
under
Time:
11.30am to 12.30pm
Where:
He Toa Takitini (London Street) - Level 1 Meeting Room
Teams Link:  https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-
join/19%3ameeting_ZDM5NGI5OGEtYjBjMy00YTIxLTllZDMtZjZmNDZiNGE2MDk5%40thread.v2/
0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2240ee1041-32d4-4b36-8b4f-
Released
c1d6fd035337%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229081e2be-5d3e-46d9-ada5-1fffdbb1ece8%22%7d
If you are on shift at this time and you wish to attend, please talk with your line manager to arrange
dialling in from your service if able.
In addition, Daryl from PSA and Nigel from NZNO along with our service are asking for you to
please complete the short survey to ascertain your views.  Please see the separate attachment.
Ngaa Mihi Nui
Suzette and Vicki
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Memo
Operations Managers,  Charge Nurse Managers, Associate Charge
Nurses Managers, Team Leaders, Associate Team Leaders, Nurse
Educators,  Clinical Nurse Coordinators,  Clinical Nurse
To
Specialists, Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Support Workers,
Mental Health Assistants (also known as Psychiatric Assistants,
Health Assistants), [email address],
[email address]
CC:
Sue Hayward, Sue Critchley, Kylie Balzer, John Kanawa, Eve Martin
Vicki Aitken (Operations Director) and Suzette Poole (Nurse Director)
From:
Mental Health and Addiction Service
1982
Date:
01 July 2024
Uniform for Nurses and Mental Health Assistants (including Psychiatric
Subject:
Assistants, all Health Care Assistants, and Community Support
ACT
Workers)
We have considered the staff feedback and a decision has been made to continue to supply
uniforms  for  all  mental  health  and  addiction  services  and  in  some  areas  these  will  be
mandatory. Staff feedback was mixed, with support for and against wearing of uniforms for a
range of reasons.
Information
Mental Health and Addiction Inpatient Services
From Friday 27 September 2024, it will be Mandatory for nurses and mental health assistants,
(including Psychiatric Assistants & Health Care Assistants) to wear the standard-issue uniform
in the following wards: 34, 35, 36, LSA, MHSOP-OPR 1, Puna Maatai, and Puna Awhi-rua.
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From Friday 27 September 2024 any clothing or laundry allowances will be stopped for staff
in these units. From July, the Bryant Education Centre (BEC) staff will be in contact with line
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managers to manage a phased approach to supply those nurses and mental health assistants,
who do not currently wear a uniform, with standard issue uniforms.
From Friday 25 October 2024 it will be Mandatory for nurses and mental health assistants,
(including Psychiatric Assistants & Health Care Assistants) in the following wards: 41, Puna
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Poipoi,  Puna  Whiti,  Puna  Taunaki, Oranga  Rangatira  residential  unit  to  wear  a  new  non-
branded uniform which will be:
Charge Nurse Managers:
Dark blue polo shirt
All other nurses:
Light blue polo shirt
Mental Health Assistants:
Maroon polo shirt
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These  tops  will  be  worn  with  standard-issue  blue  trousers  or  blue  shorts.  From  Friday  25
October 2024 any clothing or laundry allowances will be stopped for staff in these units. The
Bryant Education Centre (BEC) staff will be in contact with line managers to manage a phased
approach to supply those nurses and mental health assistants with this uniform.
Mental Health and Addiction Community Services
A uniform will be offered to all nurses and community support workers working in community
services but it will not be mandatory to wear a uniform.
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The non-branded uniform offered will be;
Charge Nurse Managers:
Dark blue polo shirt
All other nurses:
Light blue polo shirt
Community Support workers:
Maroon polo shirt
These  tops  will  be  worn  with  standard-issue  blue  trousers  or  blue  shorts.  From  Friday  25
October 2024 any clothing or laundry allowances will be stopped for community staff.
A phased approach beginning in July and ending in October  will be taken to the issuing of
uniforms where required. Staff working in the acute care wards will be the first group followed
by staff in the rehabilitation units and at the same time the option for community staff should
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they  request  it.  Charge  Nurse  Managers  and  Team  Leaders  will  work  with  their  respective
staff to manage this process.
ACT
Kindest regards
Vicki Aitken
Suzette Poole
Information
Operations Director
Nurse Director
Official
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Memo
Mental Health and Addiction Service: Operations Managers,
To
Charge Nurse Managers, Team Leaders
CC:
Sue Hayward, Sue Critchley, Kylie Balzer, John Kanawa, Eve Martin
Vicki Aitken (Operations Director) and Suzette Poole (Nurse Director)
From:
Mental Health and Addiction Service
Date:
01 July 2024
Information for Operations Managers, Charge Nurse Managers and
Teams leaders about uniforms for Mental Health Nurses and Mental
Subject:
Health Assistants (including Psychiatric Assistants, all Health Care
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Assistants, and Community Support Workers)
Key messages to Line managers
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The final directive attached was released to staff and NZNO and PSA unions on Monday 1
July 2024 and included Operations Managers, Charge Nurse Managers (CNMs) and Team
Leaders (TLs) and this memo is to provide guidance on the implementation of that directive.
A  phased  approach  will  be  taken  to  the  issuing  of  uniforms  as  there  is  an  estimated  250
inpatient staff who will be required to wear either the standard issue uniform or the new uniform
for rehabilitation units. It will not be mandatory for Community staff to wear a uniform but there
will be a uniform available if they choose to want to wear one.
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BEC staff will manage the process to issue uniforms so please wait until you are contacted to,
as the acute wards will commence first followed by the Rehabilitation focused wards.
The transition to the wearing of uniforms in all inpatient units will commence in July and may
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take a few months. Once an inpatient staff member has been issued with a uniform they will
be expected to wear the full uniform at all times. If staff are accompanying tangata whaiora in
a community setting then they may wear their own tidy jacket or top over their uniform. CNMs
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and TLs will monitor this and communicate this expectation to all their staff.
For inpatient staff that are newly hired, please ensure staff complete the uniform requisition
and organise to have a uniform to commence work.
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Cessation of clothing or laundry allowances will be managed by payroll following direction from
HR  on  the  dates  set  out  in  the  directive.  CNMs and TLs  do  not  need to do  anything  about
these  allowances.  Any  questions  from  staff  about  allowances  are  to  be  sent  to  Eve  Martin
(HR) who will liaise with service directors.
Nurse educators will be required to wear their standard issue uniform when they are working
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in  an  inpatient  ward  but  not  in  the  community  unless  they  choose  to  do  so.  The  Practice
Development Unit will be advised of this following the directive being issued.
Student nurses will be required to wear their student uniform when they are on placements in
all inpatient wards but not in the community. The education providers will be advised of this
following the directive being issued.
The operations managers will work with CNMs and TLs to support and monitor this change.
Please  carefully  consider  how  you  will  communicate  this  change  to  tangata  whaiora  and
whaanau.
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If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Kindest regards
Vicki Aitken
Suzette Poole
Operations Director
Nurse Director
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ACT
Information
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Document Outline