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Addenbrooke’s goes ‘Bare Below the Elbow’ to help fight infection

2 January 2008

Leading by example (L-R): Dr Nicholas
Brown, Consultant Medical Microbiologist; Dr
Basil Matta, Associate Medical Director;
Dr Helen Smith, Consultant in Anaesthetics;
Professor David Neal,Professor of Surgical
Oncology

As part of a number of initiatives to help protect our patients and visitors from infections, the national ‘Bare Below the Elbow’ policy has been introduced across this hospital.

So what will you see?

From 1 January 2008 all non-uniformed clinical and medical staff examining and treating patients will have...

• Sleeves rolled up to above their elbow, or they will be wearing short sleeved shirts/blouses

• Ties will be securely tucked in, or a bow tie or no tie will be worn

• No wrist watches

• They will wear only one plain band ring (with no stones)

• White coats will not be worn (except in laboratories)

Why has it been introduced?

This national policy has been introduced to ensure that staff wash their hands regularly and thoroughly to limit the spread of infections. The Trust will monitor compliance with this policy on a regular basis.

Please ask a member of staff if you have any questions.

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