British Medical Association takes a cue from pub louts

British Medical Association takes a cue from pub louts

When I was in my early 20s I spent some time in England. At Oxford (or was it Cambridge?) I remember being in a pub where a big wall of severed neckties was displayed. Apparently it was considered an affront to the pub spirit to wear a tie.

Now the same rules are being recommended for British hospitals. According to the USA Today the British Medical Association says, “Doctors should stop wearing ties and traditional white coats to work because they might be responsible for spreading deadly hospital superbugs... Ties performed no beneficial function in treating patients and, as they are rarely washed, are a potential bug haven.”

The only problem with this proposal is that patients are reassured by the white coat and tie, which also conveys status.

Disposable (or washable) neckwear anyone? Could be an interesting little business.