MENTAL health patients have complained about new black uniforms to be trialled by NHS staff, saying they will aggravate the stigma of alienation they already feel.

South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will introduce the uniforms for inpatient and support services staff, such as receptionists, from the end of this month.

The trust said it had brought in the uniform experiment after some clients and carers said they wanted staff - who now wear plain clothes - to be more easily recognisable.

But some mental health sufferers believe it will create an unnecessary barrier between staff and service users, and reinforce the stigma which already exists around mental illness.

One woman from Shoebury, who suffers from a personality disorder, said: "As a mental health sufferer, I do not want to be treated by an inhuman uniform-wearing nurse.

"This is a step back to the days of the men in the white coats coming to take you away.

"In an organisation where there are waiting lists of over one year for talking therapies, how can the needless expense of uniforms be justified? It will do more to hinder than help clients such as me.

"Surely the money could be better spent on services that will actually help people, not stigmatise them."

The uniform trial will take place at three inpatient areas across south Essex and will begin by the end of March.

The trust has described the uniforms chosen as "stylish, modern and functional" and believes they will "increase patient confidence and trust in staff".

Victoria Coss, a spokeswoman for the trust, said: "Experience from the public and private sector demonstrates that patients expect staff to be clearly identifiable and well presented, as this assists communication and provides reassurance.

"We believe all of our patients deserve the same high standards enjoyed by those in other sectors."

The Trust is considering uniforms for other staff in future, including those working in the community, but says they will be "sensitively developed."

Miss Coss said: "The trust chose the uniforms because they are considered modern, clean and complimentary to all staff, taking in to account the variety of shapes, sizes, skin complexions and hair colour in our workforce."

Miss Coss added: "We are also keen to move away from old, negative stereotypes of mental health services and this new image, along with our modernisation programme of mental health services in south Essex, will ensure that the trust is firmly placed in the 21st century.

"The full uniform trial has not yet started, but initial feedback from the one inpatient area the trial has started on, has been incredibly positive from both staff and patients."