Nurses in Wales banned from wearing Crocs to work

Hospitals in Wales have signed up to a national uniform agreement, which has banned the popular rubber shoes, Crocs, from being worn by nurses.

There are fears the footwear, along with any other Croc-style sandals, do not offer adequate protection against drops, spills and sharp objects.

It comes after a number of other hospitals in Canada, America and Europe have restricted their nurses from wearing them amid similar health and safety concerns.

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Crocs have proven to a huge hit among nurses, who say they are comfortable to wear during long shifts are easy to clean.

However, the Royal College of Nursing in Wales (RCNW) has said it is expecting all its members to adhere to the new dress code.

Peter Meredith-Smith, the Associate Director for the RCNW, said: “Shoes are part of the uniform and we would expect our members to follow the requirements of the health and safety advice and adhere to the dress code.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Welsh Government commented: “NHS organisations have a duty of care towards their staff.

“The all-Wales uniform policy and dress code for all NHS staff, including nurses, includes health and safety guidelines.

“This states that footwear used in medical and clinical areas should be an enclosed/full shoe, which provides adequate support and a stable, non-slip sole.”

It is not known how the new guidelines will be received by nurses in Wales, although one nurse did not agree with the changes.

She said: “We work 12-and-a-half-hour shifts and Crocs are very comfortable to wear as we're on our feet all day.

“Crocs can be cleaned if a blood spillage occurred. Do they expect us to wear blood-stained trainers?”

Wales introduced national uniform regulations for nurses and midwives last year and was the first country in the UK to do so, after patients said they were confused as to who’s who in hospitals.