All staff must be bare below the elbows when working in or entering clinical environments to facilitate effective hand hygiene.
For the purposes of this policy this means that sleeves must be either rolled up or of a length that leaves the forearms completely uncovered, no wrist watch or any other wrist coverings are worn and no jewellery is worn below elbow level other than a single plain wedding band.
• All visible own clothing must be of smart appearance and modest. Low-cut skirts or trousers, short-cut or cropped tops which reveal midriffs or underwear, plunging necklines, see through garments, mini-skirts or denim jeans are not acceptable.
- Underwear should not be visible.
• Ties must be removed or tucked in prior to entering clinical areas. Bow ties may be worn
• All staff must be bare below the elbows when entering or working in clinical areas. Long sleeved garments must not be worn when entering or working in clinical or ward areas. • Outer garments must be removed as soon as practicable after entering a clinical area and not be put on again until leaving the area e.g. fleeces, coats.
• Generally, hats must not be worn unless they are part of a uniform. In order to meet religious requirements head coverings may be worn (examples include turbans, head scarves and skullcaps).
• To ensure effective communication, clothing and veils which cover the face are not permitted in clinical areas. In other areas they must be removed on request for security checks or identification purposes.
• Slogans or images on clothes, badges or tattoos that might cause offence, or make an individual believe they have been discriminated against or the subject of harassment are not allowed, as they do not reflect a professional image.
• Modifications will be made if a disability or medical condition makes it difficult or impossible for a staff member to comply with this policy e.g. allergies to specific fabrics, the need for specialist footwear etc. HairHair should be clean, neat and tidy.
• Long hair must be tied back and off the collar when working in a clinical area.
• Hair fastenings must be discreet in blue, black or neutral colour for uniformed staff.
• Extreme hairstyles and colours are inappropriate for professional environments.
• All male staff must be either clean shaven, or beards and moustaches kept clean, neatly trimmed or rolled and tucked. In some circumstances beard nets or snoods will be necessary.
JewelleryIn clinical environments jewellery (including watches, wristbands, bracelets, ankle chains and all rings), other than one plain wedding band, must be removed. One pair of small plain stud earrings is permitted. Certain local dress codes may exclude the wearing of any earrings, e.g. staff involved in food preparation.
• Visible body piercing, for instance on tongues, eyebrows, lips and noses is unacceptable for staff with direct patient contact.
• The security of jewellery that an employee has been asked to remove remains the responsibility of the wearer.
• Religious symbols e.g. Kara (steel bangle) and bracelets for therapeutic purposes may be worn discreetly, provided they comply with health and safety and infection prevention and control guidelines. In clinical areas these must be pushed up the arm and taped to enable effective clinical hand washing and decontamination.
• Where jewellery is permitted it must be unobtrusive and not represent a health and safety risk to the employee and others. FootwearAll shoes must be clean, in good repair and safe. In clinical environments, shoes must be plain, non-slip, low-heeled and soft-soled.
• Open-backed footwear or open-toed shoes are not conducive to safe moving and handling, and are not recommended. Members of staff that choose to wear this type of footwear do so at their own risk.
• Specialist footwear may be necessary in some areas e.g. theatres or estate management staff, and must be worn according to the local uniform policy or dress code.
• The wearing of “crocs” or other similar footwear is not permitted.
HosieryFor staff working in clinical areas or who wear uniform, tights, stockings or socks must be black or neutral in colour and present a professional image.
• Socks or hosiery can be omitted in hot weather conditions.
FingernailsAll staff should keep fingernails short, clean and neat.
• Staff working in clinical environments, or wearing uniform, are not permitted to wear nail varnish, false nails, nail extensions or nail jewellery.
TattoosTattoos must be kept covered until fully healed. Where this may contravene effective hand hygiene procedures, staff must remain off work until their tattoo is fully healed. Staff must therefore only undertake to have tattoos when they have sufficient annual leave available to allow them to take time off for full healing.
• Extreme and offensive design (including facial and neck) tattoos are inappropriate for professional environments. Staff must consider their professional appearance before undertaking to have such a tattoo.
Make-UpIf worn, make up must be natural looking and discreet.
Personal HygieneStaff are expected to maintain a high level of personal hygiene - including oral hygiene - and avoid wearing strong perfume or aftershave.