Bare below the elbows – difficile times for a health secretary

In our controversial topics in surgery articles this month we look at the much-contested 'bare below the elbows' policy for doctors' dress. As the series editor, Tom Dehn, points out in the second of the two articles below, this series usually tries to obtain contrasting viewpoints, for or against any given position considered in the articles. However, in the absence of a willing advocate for 'bare below the elbows,' we are publishing two occasionally light-hearted articles questioning the wisdom, consistency of application and above all the evidence base for this controversial initiative.