Wichita hospitals are now implementing a consistent system of colored wristbands as part of a statewide attempt to perk up patient safety. The Kansas Hospital Association board accepted the change earlier this year, recommending Kansas’ 125 community hospitals switch by Jan. 1.

Five colors would be set standard: purple for patients with a “do not resuscitate” order, red for allergies, yellow for fall risk, and green for latex allergy and pink for limited extremity. In Wichita, doctors, medical students, nurses and other staff usually work in more than one hospital.

“It certainly makes sense to have the armbands consistent,” said Susan Hendrickson, director of clinical excellence and patient safety for Via Christi Wichita Health System. Its facilities would switch in December; a date hasn’t been set.