Hospital chiefs in Preston and Chorley have revealed that nurses could be forced to get changed before and after work in changing areas on site.

At the moment, nurses are allowed to wear their uniforms while travelling to and from work, as long as it is covered by an outer garment.

But bosses are now exploring the possibility of changing their policy and are investigating the available changing facilities across the health trust.

Hospital bosses today admitted the move was prompted by growing public concern about the spread of hospital infections – despite there being no concrete evidence to show uniforms can pose an infection risk.

Sue Reed, nursing director at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The issue of nurses wearing the hospital uniform outside of trust premises has become a growing concern for the public and the trust.

"While expert opinion suggests that this does not pose a significant hazard in terms of spreading infection, public perception is that there is a risk.

"The trust is currently exploring the possibility of prohibiting all staff from wearing uniform off trust premises. Instead, staff will be required to change before and after work on the trust premises."

The move comes only months after the Evening Post revealed how complaints had been made about patients leaving their beds at Royal Preston Hospital to nip to the shops in their pyjamas and slippers.

Concerns were sparked that the practice was undermining hospital hygiene procedure and that it may be a contributory factor in the spread of hospital superbugs such as MRSA and clostridium difficile (C-DIF).

However, guidance from the Department of Health states: "There is no conclusive evidence that uniforms or other work clothes pose a
significant hazard in terms of spreading infection."

But the Government does acknowledge that the public believes there is a risk and does not like seeing nurses wearing their uniform when they are off the premises.

Nurses fear the potential change in uniform policy will add to their working day.

Janet Howarth, local branch secretary for Unison, said: "Nurses have expressed concerns that if this new policy is implemented, they will have to get to work earlier and they want to know if there will be 'changing time' allowed.

"There are already major problems with parking on the site, so workers have to get in early to make sure they get a space.

"If they then have to allow extra time for getting changed into their uniform, it will lead to an even extended working day.

"I do understand the trust's need to have a robust infection policy but I think this move is prompted more by public perception than risk."

She also said that hospital bosses will also need to provide laundry facilities.

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