Written question asked by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 December 2005. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Nurses

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to ensure that nurses are issued with more than three uniforms.

Answer: The Department does not stipulate the number of uniforms that should be issued to nursing staff. It is for national health service trust chief executives to ensure that nurses have enough suitable clothing and equipment to carry out their work effectively.The Department is currently undertaking a review of current uniform policy is under way which will clarify the expectations of NHS organisations and staff in terms of wearing, changing and laundering uniforms.

Secondary information