Sir: In July 2001 the psychiatric nursing staff in the mental health unit in Leigh Infirmary, Leigh, Lancashire, balloted to go back to wearing their nursing uniforms in all the in-patient psychiatric wards, including the psychiatric intensive care unit, acute male and female wards, and rehabilitation wards. Within the previous 3 years there were multiple requests independent of each other to return to wearing uniforms, coming mainly from relatives, service users and in-patient staff. Reasons given for the request were in relation to clearer identification of staff, better boundaries with patients and a more professional rapport, which would lead to a better established alliance.

The decision was taken following long discussions with consultants, medical and nursing staff, and service management, and a ballot of the nurses, which reflected unanimous interest in wearing nursing uniforms.

Five months later all involved seem to be happy with the decision and wish to continue to wear uniforms. Patients, relatives and staff express satisfaction with the process. There has been a great reduction in aggression, violence and the number of untoward incidents on the wards. In-patients have been more collaborative and understanding of the alliance with the professionals.

Since this is an unusual practice in mental health services today, I wish to share this experience with colleagues.