Hospitals in different areas in the UK have policies that balance people's desire to wear religious veils. The policy was put in place for the need to allow clear communication and prevent infection among staff and patients.
A 2008 health guideline states a "bare below the elbow" dress code policy, which requires women to show body parts below the elbows to ensure good hand and wrist washing. However, some Muslim objected to the guidelines saying that it is immodest in Islam to expose any part of the body except the hands and face.
Writer and commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown said that state-run institutions such as hospitals should be free from religion. The liberal Muslim also said that hijabs are a health hazard.
Currently, there is no NHS-wide ruling on Islam dress codes in hospital wards and operating theaters, according to Brown. However, Brown clarifies that she is not in favor of a hijab ban, but rather an NHS-wide dress code that applies to every person regardless of their background or religion.
There is a ton of evidence that shows the importance of facial expression in communication especially in healthcare, according to Max Pemberton, writer from Telegraph. Pemberton explains that since the purpose of niqab and veils is to limit interaction and engagement, it has no place in healthcare.
In addition, Pemberton explains that some patients may find the dress code offensive. While not voicing their sentiments due to cultural sensitivity, patients may feel alienated by the person delivering care.
Many hospitals in the country have policies that state that staff's faces must not be covered when treating patients, according to Daily Mail. Faces should also not be covered when delivering patient care to avoid miscommunication and minimize the risk of infection.
In January 2016, David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK said that he will support public authorities that require proper and sensible rules to ban women from wearing face veils in schools, courts and other British institutions. While no nationwide guideline has been issued, employers and employees have been able to find solutions in managing religious issues in the workplace. Professional standards in the most appropriate ways have also been maintained for health practitioners to deliver quality service.
