Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 10 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

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Health Professions: Perfume

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department provides to NHS trusts on the wearing by healthcare staff in hospital settings of (a) perfumes, (b) scented laundry products and (c) other fragranced products; and what assessment has been made of the potential impact of such products on patients with (i) respiratory conditions, (ii) allergies, and (iii) fragrance sensitivities.

Answer

NHS organisations set their own policies locally and these generally form part of their unform policy. Although there is no national guidance in place, some organisations do advise in their own guidance that the wearing of perfumed products must be discrete and not overpowering.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

81171

Session

2024-26

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Health professions Training Perfume

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk