By Liz Williams
Liverpool Daily Echo
MERSEYSIDE, England — North West Ambulance Service will stop all uniformed staff from wearing socks decorated with cartoon characters, jokes and garish patterns because bosses say they are unprofessional.
It is part of a new dress code policy that bans wrist watches, visible body piercing, excessive make up and certain tattoos.
Staff could face disciplinary action if they fail to follow the code.
Unions think the step is over the top, and Unison rep Craig Wilde said they will insist the rule is removed during future consultation.
And Jonathan Fox, spokesman for the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel, said: “I am a strong supporter of staff having to adhere to a dress code, but this is taking it too far. If it was April 1, I would be mildly amused.
“I have never even noticed the colour of people’s socks at work. Let’s keep the rules in perspective.”
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.”
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