SA Health Scrubs: What Healthcare Workers Can Wear (2026)
AI Summary:
- SA Health does not use a statewide colour-by-role uniform system — colour is negotiated between each Local Health Network (LHN) and its uniform supplier individually.
- Tops are typically blues, greens or greys; bottoms are navy across all staff categories statewide.
- Some LHNs distinguish seniority using velcro epaulettes rather than colour; SA Medical Imaging (SAMI) has a separate black/charcoal range.
Quick Answer: Unlike NSW Health, SA Health does not assign a fixed colour to specific roles (RN, EN, AIN etc.) statewide. Colour is negotiated between each Local Health Network (LHN) and its appointed uniform supplier, so what you wear depends on which hospital or LHN you work for rather than your job title. What is consistent statewide: bottoms (trousers, skirts, scrub pants) are navy across all staff categories, and tops run in a range of blues, greens and greys. Some LHNs use velcro epaulettes to indicate seniority instead of colour. Always confirm your specific facility's current requirement before ordering.
Scrubs are widely worn across SA Health facilities, but the uniform system works differently to states like NSW or WA — there's no single published colour-by-role chart to follow. This guide sets out exactly what is and isn't standardised, so you're ordering the right thing rather than guessing.
Is There a Statewide SA Health Colour Code?
No — not by role. SA Health does not publish a fixed colour assignment for Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Assistants in Nursing or other clinical roles the way some other states do. Instead, colour is set at the Local Health Network level: each LHN negotiates its uniform range and colour palette directly with its appointed supplier, meaning the same role can legitimately wear different colours at different SA hospitals.
What is consistent across SA Health statewide:
- Bottoms: navy — trousers, skirts and scrub pants are navy across all staff categories, regardless of LHN
- Tops: a range of blues, greens and greys — solid, patterned or with epaulette detailing depending on the LHN
- Seniority indication: some LHNs use velcro epaulettes to distinguish grade within Nursing & Midwifery, rather than assigning a different colour
- SA Medical Imaging (SAMI): runs a separate uniform range in black/charcoal, distinct from general clinical staff
Choosing Scrubs for SA Health Roles
Regardless of which LHN colour applies to you, SA Health staff typically look for the same performance factors: durable fabrics for frequent laundering, comfort for long shifts, and consistent sizing for straightforward reorders. Commonly selected brands include Dickies, Cherokee and Wink.
For the practical side of actually buying — where SA clinicians order from, delivery across metro and regional SA, and which brands are most popular locally — see our companion guide: Medical Scrubs in Adelaide: Where SA Clinicians Buy.
Embroidery & Identification
Some LHNs and departments require name or role identification on uniforms. Learn more: Are Embroidered Names Required on Scrubs?
For broader context on hospital uniform expectations generally, see: Are Scrubs Mandatory in Hospitals? (Australia)
If you're purchasing specifically for doctors, see: Doctor Scrubs Australia: What to Look For
For teams standardising across a department or facility: Uniform Programs for Healthcare Teams
FAQs – SA Health Scrubs
Does SA Health have a colour code for scrubs by role?
No — not statewide. Unlike NSW Health, SA Health doesn't assign a fixed colour to RN, EN or other roles. Colour is negotiated between each Local Health Network and its uniform supplier, so it varies by facility rather than job title.
What colour are SA Health scrub bottoms?
Navy, consistently across all staff categories and all LHNs. Top colour is the part that varies by facility.
Do SA Health scrubs need logos or name identification?
Requirements vary by LHN and department — some require embroidered names or role titles, others use badges. Check with your specific facility.
Where can SA Health staff buy compliant scrubs?
SA Health staff commonly order from Australian suppliers offering trusted brands in navy bottoms and a range of top colours. See our Adelaide buying guide for delivery and brand details specific to SA.
