Sustainable, Diverse and Multicultural Workwear in UHP
The NHS workforce is more diverse than at any other point in its history, according to an annual report into race equality across the health service.
Published in February 2023, the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard shows Black and minority ethnic (BME) staff make up almost a quarter of the workforce overall (24.2% or 383,706 staff)- an increase of 27,500 people since 2021.
More locally, UHP’s Workforce EDI 2024 annual report demonstrates an increase in diversity across the whole Trust since 2020: In 2020, Black or Minority Ethnic individuals made up 8.47% of the total staff headcount and by 2024 this percentage had increased to 16.78%. UHP recognises that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver a more inclusive service which improves the experience of our patients, visitors and our colleagues, but the organisation also recognises that Inclusion should not be a box-ticking exercise. How people feel when they are at work is important to the organisation and having access to diverse and multicultural workwear is part of that for many of our colleagues.
Afro-Caribbean culture celebrates long hair braids and natural afro hair as a significant form of expression and identity. Braiding styles, including cornrows, box braids, and twists, carry cultural, historical, and personal meanings, reflecting heritage, community ties, and individual creativity.
Medical staff with braided hair who work in operating theatres often encounter challenges with traditional scrub caps, which typically do not accommodate the bulk and length of such hairstyles. This inadequacy can result in discomfort and insufficient coverage. Indeed, one of UHP’s F2 doctors named Raydy has been struggling to fit her afro hair into two disposable theatre hats which are prone to tearing.
UHP have recognised this issue and have since started supplying reusable theatre caps that accommodate for braided/afro hair. Raydy (pictured) and others are thrilled with the hats, and they have made a real difference when it comes to getting prepped for surgery.
Prioritising staff needs while implementing sustainable practices to promote a greener NHS is a key focus for UHP, and we are proud to be one if the first Trusts to pioneer this in our theatres.
For more information, please contact the Sustainability team: plh-tr.sustainability@nhs.net
