An online petition to save the current uniform design for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants is gradually gaining support, but Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) says an overhaul is needed.
The project was brought about after families and patients noticed little distinction between the uniforms of different healthcare professionals, and older uniforms were in need of replacement.
Mark Fenwick, a spokesman for the ADHB, said in a statement that staff were being consulted with, and the process was in its early stages. Contrary to what the online petition might say, the centre-focus of the project is to formulate a "modern and practical uniform" that reflects the professionalism of health sector staff.
The man who set up the petition is Auckland nurse Alex van Heerden. In his online plea he argues that 6 proposed uniforms have been met with resistance by many nurses, and that current scrubs are linked closely with "nursing identity" and morale.
He may be right; in the last seven days the petition has grabbed 179 virtual signatures with its target set on 500 people.
In a post to the web page, he also says a number of Health Board staff have signed another petition in support of the status quo.
But, the ADHB says it has asked 30 nurses to trial different proposed styles to test suitability, and one uniform is showing resounding popularity already - gaining 1500 online votes in just over a week.
The uniforms will be showcased over four weeks, and Mr Fenwick says staff engagement is going to be a key asset in choosing the finalised design.
Opportunity to discuss issues or concerns can also be brought up with managers and the uniform steering group.
"There's plenty of opportunity for staff feedback – we are at the very beginning stages of selecting the new uniform and staff feedback is fundamental in choosing the right one."
In terms of cost involved with the project, Mr Fenwick says although there is no exact figure available, it is likely to be low.
"Auckland DHB already pays for nurse uniforms. Many of the old uniforms require replacement, which would require funding anyway. The old uniform can be phased out over time as the new one is introduced, so there may be incremental costs as we roll the new uniform out."
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