NHS supply chain announce decision on AHP uniform for England

After an extensive process, CSP has secured agreement that physiotherapists will retain their current colourway of white with navy trim and navy trousers. The only change will therefore be to a smart scrub top instead of a tunic (polo shirts remain an option).  

A recent national consultation of AHPs found that magenta was the overall base colour of choice for AHPs as a collective, but physiotherapists strongly preferred white.

The CSP made representations to NHS Supply Chain to respect the vote of the physiotherapy profession, thus two base colours have been agreed - white and magenta.

Jim Fahie, CSP assistant director, said: ‘We heard our members when they expressed concern over a national uniform for the NHS in England.

Over the past two years, we have lobbied and worked to ensure that our members have access to a white uniform with navy trim and trousers, where their organisation wishes to use the national uniform option. In reaching this outcome, staff and patients will be able to recognise physiotherapy staff with ease

Abi Henderson, CSP head of practice improvement said: ‘This decision demonstrates the power of member voices and we must thank every one of the over 6,000 physiotherapy staff members who took the time to respond to the consultation at a time of significant clinical and professional pressures.’

NHS Supply Chain hopes that most NHS trusts in England will adopt the new uniforms, which extends to other professional groups such as nursing and midwifery who have been through a similar process. However, it will take time to roll out sustainably and it will remain a local decision when and whether to do so. 

Decisions about support workers' uniforms will be made locally.