NURSES' uniforms are going to be revamped by Forest Healthcare to attract ethnic minorities to the profession.

NURSES' uniforms are going to be revamped by Forest Healthcare to attract ethnic minorities to the profession.

Whipps Cross Hospital is planning a uniform shake-up giving women the opportunity to wear trousers in keeping with religious dress codes.

The trust is currently looking to fill 120 nursing posts as the London-wide nurse shortage continues.

Research conducted by the hospital showed women from some ethnic minorities would not work at Whipps Cross because they would have to wear a dress revealing their legs.

A spokesman for the hospital said: 'It is hoped the decision to change the uniform will improve recruitment from ethnic minorities.

'The current nurse's uniform is rather old fashioned. Members of staff also wanted to wear trousers, that was a factor in the decision.

'We are currently looking for funding so the re-design can go ahead.'