Ryman adds colour, ease to uniforms

Lorena Beckmann, a registered nurse at Jane Mander Retirement Village, models Ryman's new uniforms by Annah Stretton. Lorena said the uniforms were much more practical than the old uniforms.

Staff at Whangarei's Jane Mander Retirement Village were among the first in the country to get new Ryman Healthcare uniforms.

A team of 25 first-time models from the Kamo village strutted the catwalk in front of residents last week, showing off the uniforms which were designed by Annah Stretton.

The uniforms will be worn by the company's 4000 staff in New Zealand and Australia.

Ms Stretton said it had been a pleasure to design the uniforms for workers in the aged care industry.

"We wanted garments that brought a smile to the faces of residents, increased the level of pride in what staff wear and emphasised the vital role they play in residents' lives," she said.

Jane Mander activities co-ordinator Jenna Lewis-Tito said the new uniforms were a treat.

"I like the colour and I like the flowers. I work with residents with dementia and they love colour so they are going to love this. I can't wait to show them."

The uniforms meet the different needs of staff, from caregivers and nurses through to gardeners and laundry workers.

The uniforms are made of lighter materials for staff working in kitchens and laundries and a popular change was to introduce three-quarter length trousers for caregivers and housekeepers instead of dresses.

The 8000 uniforms were supplied by Lower Hutt-based Arrow Uniforms.

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