The guide says uniforms need to be safe and comfortable. The RCN says stiff uniforms can affect nurses' posture and lead to bad backs.
Restrictive uniforms increase the risk of back injury.
We estimate the high incidence of bad backs among nurses costs the NHS a million pounds a week. The RCN suggests several ways to improve flexibility by using modern fabric which allow stretching and free movement. The guide says nurses' uniforms need to encourage public trust and confidence, be smart and practical and reflect the work they do. The RCN says uniforms also need to be safe, although there is no evidence to show uniforms can spread infection. To be sure, it says, uniforms should incorporate disposable aprons and should be properly laundered.