North West Ambulance Service bans novelty socks

Feb 4 2010 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Echo

Novelty socks

Most of the new policy has been created to ensure hygiene and safety standards are met.

Clinical staff have been banned from wearing wrist watches and some jewellery because they can carry germs or injure patients. Some staff will now be provided with fob watches to keep time.

Director of organisational development Jon Lenney said: “We would expect our staff to wear uniforms provided and do not feel that novelty socks with slogans and images are appropriate for presenting a professional image to patients and members of the public.

“This important policy was initiated in response to the recent Care Quality Commission inspection in relation to healthcare acquired infections.

He added: “The item which refers to which socks crews may wear is a very small element in a substantial document which covers more important issues such as infection control and health and safety.

“ The trust does provide full uniform, including plain dark socks, and as the role of frontline staff requires physical movement socks can be visible.”