Crocs ban for hospital staff in Wales over safety fears

Crocs do not meet Welsh NHS safety requirements

Hospital staff in Wales have been told they can no longer wear Croc-style sandals while at work due to safety fears.

There are concerns the rubber footwear does not offer sufficient protection against sharp objects such as needles.

All hospitals in Wales have signed up to a national uniform policy and this extends to shoes.

The Royal College of Nursing in Wales (RCNW) said it would expect its members to adhere to the dress code.

A Welsh Government spokesman said the all-Wales uniform policy and dress code for all NHS staff included health and safety guidelines.

He said these state: "Footwear used in medical and clinical areas should be an enclosed or full shoe, which provides adequate support and a stable, non-slip sole."

RCNW said it had been involved with drawing up the dress code along with other trade unions.

Associate director Peter Meredith-Smith 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."

Some hospitals in England, north America and Europe have also banned the shoes.

Last year Wales became the first nation in the UK to introduce a national uniform for nurses and midwives.

One of the aims was to make it easier for patients to see who was in charge of hospital wards after research found many were confused.