We are proud to highlight our ongoing three-year contract with Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). CHI provides health services for children and young people across Ireland, operating four children’s hospitals in the greater Dublin area and managing all national pediatric services. The new children’s hospital project, part of the St. James's Hospital campus expansion, will further enhance these services with two new outpatient and urgent care centres.

CHI's vision for healthier children and young people

CHI's vision is to ensure healthier children and young people throughout Ireland. They aim to promote and provide child-centred, research-led, and learning-informed healthcare to the highest standards of safety and excellence. This is achieved through collaboration with each other, children, young people, and their families within a network of children’s services in Ireland.

Our journey with CHI: Interview with Lynda

Interview with Lynda: Overcoming initial challenges

This blog features an interview with Lynda, our key accounts specialist, who has been instrumental in developing our relationship with CHI. Let’s explore how we have grown together.

Interviewer: What challenges did you face when getting off the ground?

Lynda: Initially, CHI requested that we supply unisex uniforms, which we provided based on their specifications. During the fitting sessions, however, it became clear that the results were different from what was expected. The healthcare professionals, accustomed to selecting their own preferred styles, found the unisex uniforms a significant departure from their comfortable, fitted scrubs. The feedback was immediate during the fittings - the material and fit of the unisex uniforms did not suit everyone. This was a considerable change, especially since they were mostly cotton. Fortunately, we quickly recognised the discontent and were able to find a suitable solution.

Interviewer: How did you overcome this?

Lynda: We reviewed the feedback with CHI management and decided to offer the Koi range because many staff members were already comfortable with Koi, and it is our bestselling range. The unisex option seemed logical initially, as it was thought to simplify management and distribution, but it didn't meet the staff's needs. It felt like a setback at first, but we quickly realised Koi scrubs were a better solution, meeting all the staff's needs.

Interviewer: Did you have to provide scrubs samples?

Lynda: Yes, during the tender process, we provided samples along with various options and pricing details to CHI. And what initially started as a project for one hospital soon expanded. This expansion was part of the new CHI hospital initiative, aiming to unify uniforms across multiple hospitals. This ensures consistency and comfort for all staff members, aligning with CHI’s commitment to high standards in healthcare services.

Identifying different healthcare roles with new medical uniforms

Interviewer: Before this initiative, were nurses buying their own uniforms?

Lynda: Yes, staff were free to choose and purchase any uniform they preferred, which resulted in a lack of uniformity and professional appearance across the hospitals. To address this, CHI has implemented a standardised uniform policy across all grades, ensuring a cohesive and professional look.

Interviewer: How has the introduction of standardised uniforms improved role identification within the hospitals?

Lynda: The new system has significantly improved our ability to quickly identify roles. We've assigned specific colours for each grade: royal blue for staff nurses, wine for CNM2 grades, and teal for CNM1 grades. Additionally, each grade has a unique animal logo next to the CHI logo. For further clarity, navy and wine uniforms include text that specifies the department. These features make it much easier for staff and patients to recognise the various roles and departments at a glance.

Why Happythreads medical scrubs were chosen by CHI

Interviewer: Why was Happythreads chosen?

Lynda: Several factors contributed to Happythreads being chosen:

• Local Irish company: This allows us to offer unparalleled local support, reducing shipping costs for CHI members with our convenient click-and-collect option and enabling us to quickly conduct on-site fittings.
• Dedicated customer support: Our commitment to customer care is strengthened by having a dedicated account manager for CHI, ensuring personalised service and immediate response to any queries.
• Extensive product range: We provide a wide selection of options suitable for every staff member, including sizes from XXS to 5XL, three different leg lengths, and maternity scrubs.
• Competitive pricing and in-house services: Our prices are competitive, and we offer in-house embroidery services, adding a personal touch to each uniform. Our expertise extends to pocket embroidery, accommodating unique designs and innovating for the best results.
• Fast turnaround time: Our efficient processes ensure a quick turnaround, meeting CHI’s needs promptly and effectively.

Improvements seen with Koi scrubs

Interviewer: Have you seen improvements since implementing the Koi uniforms?

Lynda: Yes, the staff are more comfortable and happier with the Koi uniforms. The turnaround time for orders has also improved, now under four weeks.

Interviewer: How is the fitting process managed?

Lynda: We conduct on-site fittings twice a year. Initially, it was more frequent, but most staff now know their sizes, reducing the need for frequent fittings. This ensures that all staff have uniforms that fit well and are comfortable.

Interviewer: How do orders work?

Lynda: Orders are placed through the Happythreads website. CHI staff have their own specific landing page for easy navigation and an exclusive discount code. Orders can be shipped or picked up from our Ireland warehouse, providing flexibility and convenience.

Interviewer: Any final thoughts?

Lynda: It was challenging, but we've managed to streamline the process. Staff satisfaction has improved significantly with the new uniforms, which aligns perfectly with our mission to bring happiness to every healthcare professional through colourful and comfortable scrubs. Seeing the positive impact on the staff's comfort and morale is truly rewarding.

We are excited about our continued partnership with CHI and look forward to supporting their vision for a healthier future for Ireland’s children and young people. With our commitment to quality and customer care, we are confident that our collaboration will continue to thrive.

Want to experience the scrub quality yourself?

Shop our bestselling range of medical scrubs here.