On Tuesday 10 December, the HSU attended the Joint Consultative Committee and also a USCC meeting specifically to discuss the Sydney LHD Uniform and Standards of Dress Policy.

HSU member feedback was collated and was communicated to the District at both forums. This was an opportunity for the HSU to highlight the problems with the current uniforms.

• The SLHD Chief Executive said that staff will be allowed to wear NSW Health-issued corporate shorts, provided that it is clinically safe to do so.
• SLHD Security Officers have raised concerns about their uniform, arguing that the current requirement to wear suits and dress shoes is inappropriate and impractical for the role.
• Management have recognised that Security Staff are not satisfied with the current dress requirements and that cargo pants are a more practical type of trousers to wear. They have agreed that improvements can be made to the current uniform and there will be ongoing discussions in the new year.
• Management also took onboard feedback that white shirts are impractical as they get dirty easily, and that patients and staff do not recognise Security Staff are working in security roles because they are not wearing appropriate identification badges.

Further updates on this matter will be made after the new year.

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New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.