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Doctors and nurses' regulators asked to clarify guidance on face veils Doctors and nurses' regulators asked to clarify guidance on face veils
(about 4 hours later)
A government minister has asked the regulatory bodies for doctors and nurses to clarify their guidance on the wearing of veils after concerns that patients may be denied face-to-face contact with the person treating them.A government minister has asked the regulatory bodies for doctors and nurses to clarify their guidance on the wearing of veils after concerns that patients may be denied face-to-face contact with the person treating them.
The junior health minister Dan Poulter acted after a story in the Daily Telegraph said 17 hospital trusts have a written dress code which bans the full veil for doctors and nurses treating their patients.The junior health minister Dan Poulter acted after a story in the Daily Telegraph said 17 hospital trusts have a written dress code which bans the full veil for doctors and nurses treating their patients.
"I am proud of the rich ethnic diversity of our healthcare workforce and support appropriate religious and cultural freedoms, but a vital part of good patient care is effective verbal and non-verbal communication," Poulter told the newspaper."I am proud of the rich ethnic diversity of our healthcare workforce and support appropriate religious and cultural freedoms, but a vital part of good patient care is effective verbal and non-verbal communication," Poulter told the newspaper.
"Being unable to see a healthcare professional's face can be a barrier to good and empathetic communication with patients and their families."Being unable to see a healthcare professional's face can be a barrier to good and empathetic communication with patients and their families.
"That is why I am writing to all healthcare regulators to ask them to look into this matter and to review their professional regulations, to ensure that there is always appropriate face-to-face contact between healthcare professionals and their patients.""That is why I am writing to all healthcare regulators to ask them to look into this matter and to review their professional regulations, to ensure that there is always appropriate face-to-face contact between healthcare professionals and their patients."
However, there has been no suggestion that any patient has complained of a doctor or nurse concealing their face behind a veil and, as yet, no example offered of an occasion where it has happened.However, there has been no suggestion that any patient has complained of a doctor or nurse concealing their face behind a veil and, as yet, no example offered of an occasion where it has happened.
Sources in the Department of Health suggested that most hospital trusts are likely to have a dress code which requires health professionals to show their faces to their patients.Sources in the Department of Health suggested that most hospital trusts are likely to have a dress code which requires health professionals to show their faces to their patients.
The General Medical Council, which has yet to receive a letter from Poulter, said it had guidance on the general behaviour and demeanour of doctors towards their patients but no mention of the veil. It said it thought the issue was one for the employer rather than the professional regulator. The General Medical Council, which has received a letter from Poulter, said it had guidance on the general behaviour and demeanour of doctors towards their patients but no mention of the veil. It said it thought the issue was one for the employer as well as the professional regulator.
The guidance to doctors from the GMC says they must communicate effectively with patients and show them respect. It recognises that doctors have personal beliefs and cultural practices and may practice medicine in accordance with those, provided they act obey the law and do not treat patients unfairly, cause them distress or deny them particular treatments or services.The guidance to doctors from the GMC says they must communicate effectively with patients and show them respect. It recognises that doctors have personal beliefs and cultural practices and may practice medicine in accordance with those, provided they act obey the law and do not treat patients unfairly, cause them distress or deny them particular treatments or services.
NHS Employers said it would be happy to work with the regulators on any guidance to staff.NHS Employers said it would be happy to work with the regulators on any guidance to staff.
Carol Baxter, its head of equality, diversity and human rights, said: "Valuing diversity is one of the core values of the NHS – our staff come from all backgrounds, as do our patients. However, to ensure the highest level of care is delivered, it is paramount that there are no barriers to effective communication between staff and patients.Carol Baxter, its head of equality, diversity and human rights, said: "Valuing diversity is one of the core values of the NHS – our staff come from all backgrounds, as do our patients. However, to ensure the highest level of care is delivered, it is paramount that there are no barriers to effective communication between staff and patients.
"NHS organisations have a duty to determine appropriate dress for staff, depending on their role and the tasks they perform. This must be done in close collaboration with patients, staff, faith groups and community representatives."NHS organisations have a duty to determine appropriate dress for staff, depending on their role and the tasks they perform. This must be done in close collaboration with patients, staff, faith groups and community representatives.
"We know that the majority of NHS organisations manage this issue well. Some would welcome guidance on this sensitive issue, which is why NHS Employers is very happy to work with the regulators to share the employers' perspective and good practice on this topic.""We know that the majority of NHS organisations manage this issue well. Some would welcome guidance on this sensitive issue, which is why NHS Employers is very happy to work with the regulators to share the employers' perspective and good practice on this topic."
This week a judge ruled that a Muslim woman would be allowed to stand trial while wearing a face veil but must remove it while giving evidence.This week a judge ruled that a Muslim woman would be allowed to stand trial while wearing a face veil but must remove it while giving evidence.
The ruling followed calls by the Home Office minister Jeremy Browne for a national debate on whether the state should step in to prevent young women having the veil imposed upon them.The ruling followed calls by the Home Office minister Jeremy Browne for a national debate on whether the state should step in to prevent young women having the veil imposed upon them.
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