Filthy Bacteria Banish Ties
Doctors have been asked to refrain from wearing neckties in a new set of guidelines published by the Department of Health. Among other rules concerning the wearing of badges and the carrying of pens in the top pocket (naturally of no interest to Chaps) is a rule advising against the wearing of a necktie in any care activity that involves patient contact.
"Ties are rarely laundered but worn daily." (True) and "They perform no beneficial function in patient care." This is plainly false. A tie inspires patient confidence in the wearer, marking him out as a man of authority and professional standing. An open-necked shirt puts him on the same level as a youth serving coffee in a milk bar.It is of some comfort that bow ties are not included in the new ruling, though the guidelines are not clear on whether self-tied bow ties are to be excluded. Cravats have not been mentioned, and these may provide the solution for those doctors who feel they have not yet reached the bow-tie stage in their lives. A cravat, while veering towards the informal, is nevertheless more "dressed" looking than an open shirt, and since the ends are tucked safely into the shirt, hygiene is presumably not an issue. The only risk posed by cravats, in terms of patient care, would be female patients taking a dashing junior doctor for a cad.