Bare Below the Elbows: What Do Patients Think?

In September 2007 Alan Johnson introduced the 'bare below the elbows' (BBE) policy (short sleeves, no wrist watch, no jewellery and no ties when carrying out clinical activity) for hospital staff in an attempt to tackle nosocomial infection. He announced 'guidelines on clothing that will help ensure thorough hand washing and prevent the spread of infections', providing 'a clear signal to patients that doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff are taking their safety seriously'.