Healthcare Uniforms – The Importance of Fabric

Healthcare Uniforms – The Importance of Fabric

Healthcare Uniforms – The Importance of Fabric

According to several studies, healthcare uniforms can potentially become contaminated by disease-causing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and glycopeptideresistant enterococci (GRE). Areas of maximum contact, like pockets, scuffs and apron, are proved to be the areas where the maximum contamination occurs.  Therefore, it is essential that all healthcare uniforms worn by staff comply with hygienic regulations and are easy to launder.

According to the Health and Social Care Act (2008), which outlines a code of practice on the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections, healthcare uniforms have to be clean and fit for their purposes. Uniforms fabric must be suitable for laundering at the correct temperature required for thermal disinfection.

The right fabric contributes to the hygiene of healthcare uniforms. Blended fabrics constitute a mixture of two or more fibres together where the good quality of the fibres are emphasised. One of the most common blends is Cotton-Polyester which is one of greatest fabrics for healthcare uniforms.

Poly-Cotton Fabric

Polyester, first patented in the UK in 1941, is widely used nowadays, being a combination of functional, durable and eco-friendly product. Cotton-polyester fabric is more functional than pure cotton fabrics due to its stretching properties. It can be washed at high temperatures resisting to shrinkage and fading.

At Uniforms4Healthcare, we offer a wide range of healthcare uniforms in poly-cotton fabric. For example, our Blend healthcare tunic, made in 35% polyester and 35% cotton, is vat dyed and resists loss of colour on contact with most bleaches. This concealed zip tunic features double Action Back pleats. Simple and classic style, it is the ideal tunic for healthcare uniforms.

Annie Lauri

Source: http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/78652/002724.pdf

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