Hospital staff told to cover up

Health officials have ordered staff at Derby hospitals not to wear their uniforms outside of work.

New rules mean that workers must either change their clothing before they leave the hospital, cover their uniforms or go straight home.

A spokesperson from the Derby Hospitals NHS Trust said the move was aimed at giving out a professional image.

The trust runs the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby City General and Children's Hospital.

Infection control

Health staff should not be seen wearing their uniforms in public places such as supermarkets and public houses, unless they are on official business.

The trust said the new rules would also reassure the public that infections, such as MRSA, were not being brought into hospitals on staff uniforms.

Lynn Hyatt, assistant director of nursing at Derby Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Whether or not infections can be passed on from people wearing uniforms outside of work, it's about public perception.

"If the public believe that is what happens then we have to address that and we have to counter balance that."

Matron Libby Rotherham, from the Derby Children's Hospital, said: "I would hope as a manager that most nurses would understand what their responsibilities are to uphold the profession.

"It's about ensuring we provide a professional image to the public."