WA Health Scrubs: Uniform Guidelines for Doctors & Nurses (2026)
AI Summary:
- WA Country Health Service (WACHS) uses a fixed, statewide colour-trim system for Nursing and Midwifery roles based on collar/trim colour.
- This system applies specifically to WACHS (regional/country WA) facilities — it is not confirmed to extend to Perth metro WA Health services, which should be checked per facility.
- Role or title is printed on the right chest; no region or site name is permitted on the uniform.
Quick Answer: WA Country Health Service (WACHS) — covering regional and country WA — uses a genuine statewide colour-coded system for Nursing and Midwifery roles, based on collar/trim colour rather than the whole garment. Registered Nurses wear white trim, Enrolled Nurses sky blue, Midwives lilac, and more senior roles use split colour combinations (see the full table below). This is specifically a WACHS policy — if you work in a Perth metro WA Health facility rather than a regional WACHS site, confirm your local requirement directly, as this table is not confirmed to apply metro-wide.
WA Health staff across hospitals and health services commonly wear scrubs in clinical environments. Unlike SA Health next door, WA's country health service has a genuine, published colour-by-role framework — but it's important to know exactly where it applies before assuming it covers your facility.
WACHS Nursing & Midwifery Colour-Trim System
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) — the health service covering regional and country Western Australia — assigns collar/trim colour by role for Nursing and Midwifery staff:
| Role | Trim / Collar Colour |
|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse | Sky Blue |
| Advanced Skilled Enrolled Nurse | Sky Blue / Dark Sky Blue split |
| Registered Nurse | White |
| Clinical Nurse | Cherry |
| Clinical Nurse Manager | Cherry / White split |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | Cherry / White split |
| Staff Development Nurse | Emerald |
| Nurse Educator | Emerald / White split |
| Midwife | Lilac |
| Clinical Midwife | Violet |
| Endorsed Midwife | Dark Purple |
| Clinical Midwifery Manager | Violet / White split |
| Clinical Midwifery Specialist | Violet / White split |
| Staff Development Midwife | Emerald |
| Midwifery Educator | Emerald / White split |
Other identification requirements under this system: role/title (e.g. "Registered Nurse") is printed on the right chest, and no region or site name is permitted on the uniform.
Choosing Scrubs for WA Clinicians
Whether you're under a WACHS colour-trim requirement or a metro facility's own policy, WA clinicians generally look for the same performance factors: durability through frequent laundering, comfort for long shifts, and consistent sizing for reliable reorders. Commonly chosen brands include Dickies, Cherokee and Wink.
For the practical side of buying — where WA clinicians order from, delivery across Perth metro and regional WA, and which ranges are most popular locally — see our companion guide: Medical Scrubs in Perth: WA Hospital & Clinic Guide.
If you're specifically purchasing for doctors, see: Doctor Scrubs Australia: What to Look For
Embroidery & Identification for WA Health Teams
Beyond the WACHS trim system, some WA workplaces have their own identification rules — a visible name badge, role identifier, or approved logo placement. Requirements vary by employer and department. If you're unsure whether embroidery is required, see: Are Embroidered Names Required on Scrubs?
For in-house embroidery — names, roles and approved logos — visit: Custom Embroidery Services
Ordering for WA Clinics & Multi-Site Teams
If you're ordering for a WA clinic or healthcare team, the most important factor is choosing a range that stays consistent across reorders, so new starters match the existing uniform standard. Start here: Uniform Programs for Clinics & Healthcare Teams
For a practical framework on uniform consistency across a team: Standardising Medical Uniforms Across Clinics: 2026 Playbook
FAQs – WA Health Scrubs
Does WA Health have a colour-coded uniform system?
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) — covering regional and country WA — has a genuine, published colour-trim system for Nursing and Midwifery roles. This is a WACHS-specific policy; it is not confirmed to extend to Perth metro WA Health facilities, which may set their own requirements.
What colour trim does a Registered Nurse wear under WACHS?
White. Enrolled Nurses wear sky blue, midwives wear lilac, and more senior clinical roles use split colour combinations — see the full table above.
Does the WACHS colour system apply to Perth metro hospitals?
Not confirmed. WACHS specifically covers regional and country WA health services. If you work at a Perth metro facility (Royal Perth, Fiona Stanley, Sir Charles Gairdner and similar), check your specific hospital's uniform policy rather than assuming the WACHS table applies.
Do I need my name or role embroidered on my scrubs?
Under WACHS, role/title is printed on the right chest and no region or site name is permitted. Outside WACHS, requirements vary by employer — some require embroidery or identification, others use badges.
Where can WA clinicians buy compliant scrubs?
WA clinicians commonly purchase from Australian suppliers with trusted brands, consistent sizing and reliable reordering. See our Perth buying guide for delivery and brand details specific to WA.
