Female Muslim Doctors Allowed to Wear Disposable Sleeves for Modesty: Official Guidance

March 27, 2010

Author: Rebecca Smith

Source: Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7528335/Female-Muslim-doctors-allowed-to-wear-disposable-sleeves-for-modesty-official-guidance.html

All staff involved in caring for patients should be 'bare below the elbows' to ensure sleeves do not become contaminated and hands can be washed thoroughly to prevent infections passed around the ward.

However female Muslim staff had been concerned about the rule as exposure of their forearms is seen as immodest.

Staff in several hospitals had reportedly refused to expose their arms for hand washing and 'scrubbing in' procedures before surgery.

New guidance from the Department of Health said staff can wear disposable sleeves which are elasticated at the wrist and elbow when in contact with patients.