NEW LOOK AT HOSPITAL: Staff members wearing the new uniforms are from left Kathy Keed (administration), Steve Thompson (support services), Peter Young (physiotherapist allied health), Melanie Alde (registered nurse), Bridgitte Burge (radiation therapist allied health), Pam Fewings (support services) Jane Jones (administration).
ORANGE hospital is one of the first in the state to roll out new staff uniforms as part of a state-wide plan to change the look of staff to make it easier for patients, visitors and other staff to identify them.
The roll-out at Orange Health Service and the Western NSW Local Health District has begun, with some staff already wearing their new uniforms on duty at Orange hospital, where hundreds of employees are to be outfitted.
Each workstream will have its own colours, with doctors in distinctive emerald green and registered nurses, midwives and enrolled nurses in navy blue.
Allied health workers such as occupational therapists, radiation therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists will wear teal coloured tops and navy pants.
Oral health workers will be in traditional all white, with scientific and technical support staff in white tops with a teal and navy stripe and patient support staff such as cleaners and kitchen staff in a sage colour with a fine white and navy stripe.
All other workstreams will wear lower navy garments.
An Orange hospital spokesman said the new uniforms would allow employees to easily transfer between hospitals without having to buy new uniforms.
Employees required to wear a uniform will continue to receive a laundry allowance as well as several items of clothing commensurate with their workload.
For example, a nurse employed on a full-time basis will receive five tops and five bottoms, as well as one outer garment such as jacket, cardigan or polo vest.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au