Infection control

[SARA COATES]

I work in a NHS menai health hospital pharmacy and we have recently been told that as we are classed as a clinical area we can not wear wrist watches, stoned rings and have to be bear below the elbow. We purely dispense in the pharmacy and have no patient contact. I can understand this at ward level but not in the pharmacy. I have worked in NHS pharmacy for 26 years and have never had to follow this policy. Does anyone else have similar policies? I wear a wedding ring and have also worn my mothers wedding ring on my right hand since she died,the policy states only one ring can be worn. I can not understand why one ring is ok and two isnt?

[gigeordie]

Surely being 'bear' below the elbow brings with it problems also, such has shedding of hair......

[johnep]

Ranked along with Elf and Safety, Human Rights, and Political Correctness for daftness. Tell them if you have to do this, why not all clerical staff as well as they handle pts notes that have been on the wards.
johnep

[Nik]

The dispensary technicians where I work sometimes put on cardigans and work. Excessive jewellery, big earring hoops etc aren't really allowed, most wear those little fob watches on their tunics.