In February we asked RCOT members for feedback on proposals for a standardised single-colourway Allied Health Professions uniform for NHS staff in England. Over 800 people responded to our survey, with many expressing concerns about the proposed designs and colour choices.
71% of OTs do not support the proposal for a single-colourway uniform
Loss of professional identity was a significant concern for many respondents, with multiple people stating that public awareness of the role of occupational therapy is already lacking. Others noted the strong association between our profession and the colour green, which is a current feature of most occupational therapy uniforms in England.
We support the concerns of our members that the proposed single-colourway uniform would have an unacceptable impact on the profile and visibility of occupational therapists and create challenges for practitioners, patients and the public.
Identifying a way forward
RCOT, as members of the AHP Federation, have written to NHS England and NHS Supply Chain to express concern about the lack of robust consultation with AHPs to date, and to object to the current proposal of a single-colourway uniform.
We are committed to continued discussion with colleagues at NHS England and NHS Supply Chain to represent the views of our members and identify a way forward with the National Uniform Project that addresses their priorities and concerns.
You can read a summary of the survey results and the letter sent by the AHP Federation on our consultation webpage.