toh

February 9, 2011 – Over the past year, consultation and feedback from patients, staff, and professional practice groups throughout the hospital – as well as a review of existing research – confirmed that a key to ensuring patients’ comfort and safety is the ability to easily recognize members of their care teams.

In this context, all professionals at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH); whether they are nurses, physicians, other health professionals or support staff, are asked to dress in a manner that clearly identifies them to patients.

Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses still have control over what scrubs they wear. In addition, they are now asked to wear lab coats, in accordance with our Guidelines for Nursing Lab Coats, so patients and families can recognize them. Nothing prevents them from wearing scrubs with prints, as the attached photos demonstrate.

Likewise, other health professionals will dress in accordance with the guidelines for their professional group. Support services staff, including transportation and housekeeping staff, will also wear hospital employer-issued uniforms at all times.

This strengthens the quality of patients’ interactions with staff, improves infection control, and ensures TOH will continue to portray a professional image.

For more information:
Nicolas Ruszkowski
613.737.8899 ext. 74511