Health Minister launches first regional healthcare workers uniform

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has today launched a new uniform for health and social care workers in Northern Ireland.

It is the first time that a standardised uniform has been introduced across all areas of Health and Social Care (HSC) in the province. The uniform will be phased in over a period of 2-3 years and complies with the Northern Ireland Regional Dress Code Policy 2008. Speaking from the Cancer Centre at Belfast City hospital where the new uniform was unveiled, Mr McGimpsey said: "The introduction of one standardised, high quality uniform aims to ensure easy recognition of staff by patients and clients. It will also promote a professional image of the service and of the individual health and social care worker.

"The implementation is expected to commence early in 2011 as Trusts begin their rollout. Staff will have their existing uniforms replaced on a phased basis."

A Regional Uniform and Work Wear Steering Group was set up in 2007 with the aim of standardising uniform and work wear across the HSC. Following a staff consultation in 2008, a uniform concept was designed and these garment designs and colour palette were tendered through an EU public procurement process, carried out by the Business Services Organisation’s Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), with the aim of awarding to a sole supplier for all of HSC uniforms.

The Minister continued: "In awarding the contract to a sole supplier, the generated economies of scale mean better value for money. It is expected that some 50% on recurrent uniform costs will be saved from health and social care budgets.

"Where before there were a number of local and national contracts providing uniform and work wear, this sole contract, with a local business, will provide improved levels of delivery and stockholding services. That is good news in a time of growing financial restraint."

The contract to manufacture the uniforms was awarded, in April, to Londonderry-based firm, Hunters Apparel Solutions (Ltd), which will be the sole provider of the uniforms for the next five years.

Notes to editors:

1. Northern Ireland introduced a regional dress code policy in February 2008. Further details can be found online:
2. Hunters Apparel Solutions (Ltd) is based in Londonderry and currently employs 41 staff. The company was awarded the contract from 1 April 2010 to become the sole supplier of all HSCNI uniforms for the next five years.
3. Each staff member will receive five sets of clothing pro rata.
4. Over the last two years, an average of £1million per annum was spent from Trust budgets on uniforms for HSC staff. Up to 50% per annum is expected to be saved through this new contract.
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