If you work in MH setting

[Fishocado]

What do you wear to work please?

Any dos or donts for clinical areas?

Pretty casual generally. I generally wear black jean's, brogues, long sleeve tops or jumpers or a dress with boots etc. A lot of places are bare below the elbow and no open toe shoes.

My local MH hospital has staff wearing scrubs.

At my trust the staff who work on the MH inpatient wards wear quite casual clothes, jeans, polo shirt, etc. It's less intimidating for patients than seeing staff in uniform.

Oh, and in a clinical setting it's bare below the elbow for infection control. Remember you'll be earring PPE so don't wear anything that will make you too warm.

I work in the community and varies between dresses, summer clothes eg maxi skirt and a tshirt and black jeans with top. Some staff wear blue jeans so I guess I’d say the smarter side of casual.

I’d say comfy shoes

And nothing to revealing etc

If working in forensic then an outfit with a belt is a necessity

If working in forensic then an outfit with a belt is a necessity

Why, please? It's not a forensic setting but some service users do have forensic backgrounds.

Also they've suggested one pair of shoes only and to keep them in work?

Glad jeans are being mentioned a lot!

The belt is often too hang keys/panic alarm.

All mh settings nhs at the moment are in scrubs by us.

Absolutely comfortable shoes/ pumps/trainers . Preferably lace up, supports the foot better.

Policy is bare below the elbow, so no bracelets, watches, rings unless wedding rings.

Jeans or trainers wouldn't be acceptable for our Trust dress code, and tbh I would say they look quite unprofessional. I used to wear office type trousers and blouse when I worked on the wards, now I'm in a therapist role I often wear a dress. The same sort of stuff you'd wear to an office will be fine. Definitely flat shoes though if you are on a ward (for comfort as you'll be on your feet a lot, and also in case you need to run anywhere).

You need a belt in forensics to attach a keystrap to. If it isn't a forensic setting this won't be important to you.

Remember to pick clothes that can go on a hot wash to kill infections.

In case you don't know, you can claim back tax if you have to buy your own clothing for work, details are here .

Ah thank you, this is so helpful - I have an entire wardrobe of smart office / business clothes but unsure if they will survive a hot wash / infection wash on our washing machine.

I will ask about the scrubs, I haven't seen anyone in scrubs though in the three places I visited but then the only patient contact was outside so perhaps this would be different inside.

Yes belt to hang keys etc on!