To: Dr Sonia Swart CEO of NGH

Bring back scrubs for maternity staff working 12.5 hrs on a 24/7 heated unit

Allow scrubs for all maternity staff to wear on the Maternity Unit at NGH. Unit temperatures rise in rooms to over 35 degrees in warm weather, particularly on Labour Ward & Maternity Observation Ward. Standard uniforms are too hot to wear on a heated unit & impractical with the type of work carried out such as intermittent auscultation (in a pool or on the floor), emergency manoeuvres etc as this requires specific body movement involving bending & reaching. Current uniforms are limiting regardless of fit.

Please consider scrub use until air conditioning is installed and possible use after this in order for us to effectively do our jobs- scrubs are light weight, breathable and not restrictive.

Why is this important?

Consideration of staff health & wellbeing
Reduction of lower mental functioning
Reduction of subsequent mistakes
Reduction of heat exhaustion & sickness

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/effects-of-heat-stress-on-workers-2

Northampton General Hospital Maternity Unit

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