Hospital doctors in short sleeves

Short sleeves promote easier and more effective hand cleansing

Doctors no longer wear white coats at a hospital, as part of a drive to reduce the spread of infections.

The scheme, trialled at Torbay Hospital in Devon for 18 months, is expected to be rolled out across the UK by the NHS.

Doctors and all clinical staff are not allowed to wear anything on their arms below the elbow to enable them to wash their hands more efficiently.

Bosses said the regime has contributed to a 50% cut in MRSA rates and a 60% reduction in Clostridium difficile.

There has also been a 60% reduction in the number of cases of over the past 12 months.

If male staff choose to wear ties, they must be tucked away.

Jewellery must be removed and ties tucked into shirts

Consultant physician Dr Chris Uridge told BBC News: "We roll our sleeves up, take off any rings, bracelets and wrist watches.

"If you've got cuffs and watches it inhibits good, effective cleansing - it's as simple as that."

Dr Uridge said he hoped the hospital's results over the past three years showed it had been very effective in helping to reduce infection rates.

"When people come into hospital it's a much safer environment for them," he added.