In the healthcare sector, first impressions matter. Whether it’s the way care providers interact with patients or how they present themselves in uniform, professionalism plays a critical role in delivering high-quality care. But ensuring healthcare staff have the right healthcare uniforms goes beyond simply looking good – it’s about comfort, durability, and consistency. For multi-site organisations like Sandstone Care Group, which operates nine care homes and provides residential and nursing care to over 700 residents, uniform provision is an essential element of their daily operations. We supplied Sandstone Care Group with custom uniform solutions which helped overcome significant challenges and enhance their service delivery.
The Challenges in Uniform Provision for Healthcare Workers
Uniform supply in the healthcare industry isn’t always straightforward. Sandstone Care Group faced several hurdles with their previous uniform supplier. The most pressing issues were inconsistent stock availability, delayed deliveries, and a lack of personal attention. As a result, staff uniforms were often out of stock, and the overall service from their previous supplier felt disengaged and impersonal.
Healthcare providers, especially those with multiple locations, require a uniform supplier who understands the urgency of meeting operational demands. For Sandstone, managing 750 staff across nine care homes meant that any disruption to their uniform supply could affect everything from staff morale to the quality of care provided to residents.
Moreover, finding the right balance of comfort, durability, and professionalism in uniforms was an ongoing challenge. Healthcare staff, especially those working 12-hour shifts, need uniforms that are both comfortable and durable enough to withstand long hours and the demands of their roles.
The Importance of Comfort, Durability, and Professionalism
Uniforms in the healthcare sector aren’t just about appearances – they directly impact staff wellbeing and job performance. Care workers often work long, physically demanding hours, sometimes in very warm conditions. Ensuring staff have comfortable, breathable uniforms can improve their performance and morale, leading to better care outcomes for patients.
Durability is also a key factor. Healthcare uniforms must withstand frequent washing and wear-and-tear, so investing in high-quality materials is essential. Staff need uniforms that will last, ensuring they remain professional in appearance throughout their shifts.
Professionalism in uniform design is equally crucial. Uniforms with the right level of customisation, branding, and consistent appearance across all roles help reinforce the identity and values of a care organisation, while also ensuring a cohesive and polished look across multiple sites.
How Our Tailored Approach Provided Solutions
When Sandstone Care Group switched to us, they found a supplier that could meet all their uniform needs. Our personalised approach addressed the challenges that Sandstone had faced, while providing the quality and service required for their expanding business. The following insights are shared directly from Steve Hamblett, Operations Director at Sandstone Care Group, highlighting how we successfully addressed their uniform supply challenges:
1. Customisation and Branding Made Easy
One of the key benefits of working with Clothes2order was the ease with which Sandstone could customise their uniforms. From nurses’ tunics and care practitioner tees to chef whites and front-of-house blouses, every uniform was branded with the Sandstone Care Group logo and colours. Despite the unique colour requirements, Clothes2order’s design team was able to provide an attractive, well-executed logo on all the uniforms.
2. Comfort and Practicality
Comfort is essential for staff working long shifts, and Clothes2order’s uniforms are designed with this in mind. By offering 65% cotton fabrics in many of their uniforms, Clothes2order ensured staff could stay cooler and more comfortable in warm environments, reducing discomfort and helping to promote better performance. This thoughtful attention to fabric and design has been greatly appreciated by Sandstone’s staff, contributing to both their wellbeing and the overall quality of care they provide.
3. Reliable Service and Flexibility
One of the standout features of Clothes2order is their reliable and flexible service. Unlike Sandstone’s previous supplier, who often overlooked their needs due to their smaller size, Clothes2order made Sandstone feel like a priority. With personalised account management, they ensured that any issues were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. The ability to order directly through their purchase order system, without being restricted to a supplier portal, made the ordering process seamless and stress-free.
Moreover, Clothes2order’s express delivery service helped Sandstone meet the fast-paced demands of the care sector. Quick, reliable delivery meant less reliance on agency workers and faster onboarding of new staff – critical for an organisation experiencing rapid growth.
4. Supporting Growth
Since moving to Clothes2order, Sandstone has expanded from 5 care homes to 9, and they have plans for further growth. Clothes2order’s ability to scale with them, providing the same level of quality and service as their needs grew, made the transition smooth. Sandstone can now rest assured that as they grow, their uniform supply will be able to keep pace without compromising quality or customer service.
Conclusion: The Impact of Custom Branded Uniforms on Care Services
For healthcare providers, the right uniforms are not just about appearance – they are about supporting staff wellbeing, enhancing performance, and ensuring consistency across all locations. Our tailored uniform solutions helped Sandstone Care Group overcome their uniform supply challenges, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation and a happier, more professional workforce.
Custom uniforms are an essential part of running a successful care service, and with the right supplier, healthcare organisations can enhance their operations while ensuring their staff is well-equipped and comfortable. If your organisation is looking for a reliable, flexible uniform provider who understands the unique challenges of the healthcare sector, we’re here to help.
If you want to learn how more about how we can support your care organisation with custom uniforms? Contact us today to explore how we can tailor our solutions to fit your needs.
