February 10, 2010
Ambulance staff in the north-west have been banned from wearing socks with images of cartoon characters, jokes and patterns after bosses branded them "unprofessional".
North West Ambulance Service's new uniform policy also bans wrist watches, visible body piercing, excessive make-up and 'certain' tattoos. Staff have been warned they could be disciplined or sacked if they flout the dress code.
North West Ambulance Service's new uniform policy also bans wrist watches, visible body piercing, excessive make-up and 'certain' tattoos. Staff have been warned they could be disciplined or sacked if they flout the dress code.
The move have been condemned by critics who have dismissed the novelty sock ban as a step too far. But Jon Lenney, director of organisational development, says: "The trust does provide staff with full uniform, including plain dark socks, and as the role of frontline staff requires a great deal of physical movement, on occasion (God forbid), socks can be visible.
"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."
Guru has always been a fan of the novelty sock; a pair with Mr Grumpy on is his personal favourite. But when it comes to having his life saved or being rushed to hospital, Yours Truly couldn't care less if the paramedics were wearing socks, stockings, tights, leggings or any other hoisery.
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