There was a time when all hospital staff wore white. But things have changed; now, many colours fill the wards of healthcare facilities. Several reasons caused this shift. White clothing, although very professional and authoritative, is virtually impossible to keep clean, especially when removing blood stains. Blue and green garments became popular alternatives: they prove calming to the eye and turn blood stains to brown. Unfortunately, as hospitals introduced more practitioners to each floor, coloured scrubs added to the inherent chaos of the environment. To combat this issue, hospitals are initiating a colour coding system for the scrubs worn by their staff. Colours help identify different roles, ranks and departments. Although a universal colour code does not exist, specific colours are beginning to align with particular disciplines. The following list shows general trends:
BLUE - Nurses
GREEN - Surgical staff
PINK - Patient care assistants
MAROON - Phlebotomists (blood specialists)
LIGHT BLUE - Radiology technicians
GREY/BLACK - Custodial/maintenance staff
WHITE - Doctors
Studies have shown that patients prefer hospitals that adopt a colour coding system for scrubs. Basically, it helps them to identify the range of professionals that provide their care. However, this solution has not satisfied everyone. Not all hospital employees like having a mandatory dress code. Some feel the colour assigned to them is unflattering, while others dislike constantly dressing in the same hue. Nonetheless, colour coding is another way management is trying to improve the hospital experience for workers, patients and visitors.