Humorous Socks of Medics-no Laughing Matter

Novelty socks on doctors, nurses and health visitors in Lancashire is soon to be banned as part of a uniform policy that would also stop staff from having tight clothes, unusual hairstyles or excessive tattoos.

According to the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust it wanted a "corporate image which presents a professional and business-like approach".

However a Conservative MP has labeled the policy "completely daft".

Lynn Wissett, director of clinical care, said: "Many of our staff work with very sick or dying patients and the policy is intended to make sure that our staff present a professional image at all times.

"Our staff and members of the public have told us is that we need to spell out clearly what is and isn't acceptable in relation to personal appearance, dress, grooming and hygiene."

Ms Wissett has added that the trust would of course adopt a "common sense" approach to such issues.

Although the board met to discuss the issue on Wednesday Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley, said the policy "should not be a priority for the NHS".

He said, 'I would have said that in children's wards it would be compulsory to wear silly socks. I think people would prefer to see happy doctors and nurses - it's dictatorial and it's over the top.'

He added, 'It's completely daft, this cannot be a priority for the NHS.'

Source-Medindia
NLA