What shall I wear?
There are 2 main areas you need to note in relation to appropriate clothing during your attachment at Rotherham Hospital.
1. Professionalism
In Phase 1 the majority of your work does not occur in a clinical environment. In a hospital though, in Phase 2b and beyond, the majority of your training takes place in a clinical area where you will be working alongside other staff and interacting with patients and their relatives. There is an expectation to look professional and this should be reflected not only in your choice of clothes but also in your overall appearance. If you look scruffy, wear clothes that would be more at home on a night out, haven't shaved or showered in days then
2. Bare Below the Elbows
This policy has been put together on the basis of reducing infections in hospitals. It has caused a certain amount of controversy within the medical profession. As a student working with healthcare professionals within the Trust, you are expected to comply with the policy.
This information is also documented in the phase handbooks and in DOH publications.
NB Don't forget that the most important thing about reducing infection is hand washing in clinical areas!
1. Professionalism
In Phase 1 the majority of your work does not occur in a clinical environment. In a hospital though, in Phase 2b and beyond, the majority of your training takes place in a clinical area where you will be working alongside other staff and interacting with patients and their relatives. There is an expectation to look professional and this should be reflected not only in your choice of clothes but also in your overall appearance. If you look scruffy, wear clothes that would be more at home on a night out, haven't shaved or showered in days then
- It is much less likely that you will be encouraged to be part of the Clinical Team! Some consultants may refuse to have you on their ward round or attending clinic with them.
- Patients may refuse to have you learning from them!
2. Bare Below the Elbows
This policy has been put together on the basis of reducing infections in hospitals. It has caused a certain amount of controversy within the medical profession. As a student working with healthcare professionals within the Trust, you are expected to comply with the policy.
- Shirt - Short sleeves, or long sleeves rolled up.
- Tie - You do not need to wear a tie to work, although some medical staff still do due to non-clinical activities they undertake. If you are wearing a tie then on entering a clinical area tuck it into your shirt. You only need to remove your tie if you are undertaking any care activity which involves patient contact.
- Wrist watch - take it off and put in pocket before entering a clinical area.
- Rings - one plain ring may be worn.
This information is also documented in the phase handbooks and in DOH publications.
NB Don't forget that the most important thing about reducing infection is hand washing in clinical areas!
