What do the Different NHS Uniform Colours Represent?

Different coloured Scrubs are commonly worn in the NHS to indicate certain roles and positions in healthcare. 

Knowing what each colour represents helps patients and other staff members efficiently identify and locate the person they need. This increases confidence and trust for healthcare workers and patients alike.

At Greenbergs, we have compiled a list of the scrub colours and roles accompanying them to update your healthcare knowledge. We offer a range of high-quality healthcare uniforms for NHS workers at affordable prices. 

The Significance of Uniform Colours in the NHS

The implementation of various NHS uniform colours extends mere aesthetics. The 1960s to ’70s saw the beginning of colour coding in healthcare to identify different departments. 

In the 1990s, the colour palette expanded as the NHS became more specialised. Today, the NHS has a more complex uniform system, focusing on ease of identification, patient trust, infection control, and professional appearance. 

The colours for each role have been designed for specific purposes. For example, theatre staff wear green or blue scrubs as these are less likely to show bloodstains and are soothing to look at during long procedures.

Uniform colours represent the hierarchy in the NHS to ensure protocols are properly maintained. Whilst indicating various roles, uniforms are worn by all staff members to promote equality and unity.

Decoding the Colour Palette

We have included below the 24 colours commonly found in healthcare facilities across the UK. 

Lighter colours

  1. Sky Blue: Indicates a staff nurse or a newly qualified nurse.
  2. Green: Worn by surgeons and operating theatre staff.
  3. White: Denotes a consultant, doctor, or scientific staff.
  4. Yellow: Worn by healthcare assistants.
  5. Turquoise: Worn by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
  6. Pink: indicated children’s nurses and paediatric services staff.
  7. Orange: Used for staff in some specialist roles, sometimes in outpatient care.
  8. Light Green: Worn by healthcare assistants or other support staff.
  9. Light Grey: Often seen on pharmacists or pharmacy technicians.
  10. Aqua: Midwifery staff sometimes wear this colour.
  11. Lilac: Commonly associated with staff working in the dental department.

Darker colours

  1. Navy Blue: Worn by nurses to signify trust and authority.
  2. Burgundy: Worn by support staff, such as porters or domestic assistants.
  3. Royal Blue: Indicates specialist nurses, such as paediatrics and radiology.
  4. Grey: Used for administrative and clerical staff.
  5. Red: Worn by advanced nurse practitioners or emergency nurse practitioners.
  6. Purple: Worn by mental health and psychological services staff.
  7. Brown: Indicates phlebotomists and specimen collection staff.
  8. Black: Often worn by administrative staff, particularly those in managerial positions.
  9. Dark Green: Some mental health trusts use dark green for nursing staff.
  10. Gold: Occasionally used for nurse consultants or senior nurse advisors.

Patterns

  1. Stripe Pattern: This can indicate a trainee nurse or a student in clinical practice.
  2. Checkered: Sometimes used for housekeeping staff.
  3. Blue & White Stripes: May denote a matron within the NHS.

The Role of Uniforms in Patient Experience

Besides serving as a system to help people identify healthcare workers, some colour choices are designed to enhance approachability. 

Colours such as yellow and pink are seen as less intimidating, encouraging patients to talk more openly and freely with the staff. Calming colours like blue and green can soothe patients, providing comfort and aiding recovery. 

Additionally, a consistent uniform policy helps create a secure patient environment. Having verified staff members care for them can alleviate anxiety, especially in emergency or high-stress situations.

Choose Greenbergs For Your NHS Uniform

At Greenberg's, a lot of time and dedication is applied to creating the best uniform for our NHS workers. With comfort, style, and policy in mind, all our scrubs are manufactured by reputable brands and sold at an affordable cost. 

Browse our healthcare range today for a uniform designed to last. For more information, contact us. We’re always happy to assist!