About the Project

NHS Scotland spends around £3.5 million per year on linen and hospital scrubs with most made from a polycotton mix at a cost of £5.50 per item (e.g., scrub top). NHS Scotland staff also report a lack of functionality in their hospital scrubs, poor fit, uncomfortable material, and ineffective identification features. A recent survey conducted in NHS England found that 28% of nurses believed their uniform did not effectively communicate their role and 82% were in favour of a ‘standardised’ uniform. Consequently, this project aims to reduce waste in the manufacture and maintenance of hospital scrubs whilst improving the overall user experience.

This project identified hospital scrubs as a potential area for impactful change after an observation day at the NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital. The project has involved a review of relevant literature and policy relating to the issue, and has adopted an ethnographic approach through targeted observations and shadowing of NHS Scotland staff. The project has documented how scrubs are used and managed within and outside the hospital, which has meant gathering information from three major groups – medical staff, hospital porters and NHS Scotland laundry staff. This has culminated in mapping the complete product lifecycle of hospital scrubs, which will facilitate targeted design-led interventions. Using creative design methods, we will develop a new range of functional and eco-friendly hospital scrubs.

Hospital scrubs are both a major source of waste and an important part of everyday hospital life. The impact of this project is two-fold: to decrease the energy usage associated with scrub manufacture and maintenance, and to create hospital scrubs that enhance staff comfort and dignity, improving the overall experience for NHS Scotland staff.