So what wins here: people's lives or political correctness?
How strong is a culture that refuses to stand up for itself - in this case, the Brits? Will the multiculturalism that seems to pass for political correctness in Britain win out for "accomodation"? Or will basic medical truths win out in protecting their patients?
From the Daily Mail:
Muslim medics refuse to roll up their sleeves in hygiene crackdown - because it's against their religion.
Health officials are having crisis talks with Muslim medical staff who have objected to hospital hygiene rules because of religious beliefs.
Medics in hospitals in at least three major English cities have refused to follow the regulations aimed at helping tackle superbugs because of their faith, it has been revealed.
Women medical students at Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool objected to rolling up their sleeves when washing their hands and removing arm coverings in theatre, claiming it is regarded as immodest.
Similar concerns were raised at Leicester University and Sheffield University reported a case of a Muslim medic refusing to "scrub" because it left her forearms exposed.
Got that? Once again, Islam religious beliefs are now pushing against the safety of the hapless patients who can go nowhere else because of the British NHS socialist system of delivering healthcare.
Would it be considered Islamophobic if one refuses to be treated by a Muslim under these conditions?
Some students have said that they would prefer to quit the course rather than expose their arms, but hygiene experts said no exceptions should be made on religious grounds.
Given the poor treatment of the NHS patients, QUIT! It is one thing when a pharmacist here in the States refuses to give out "the day after" pill due to religious beliefs that it may be taking a human life. Not scrubbing before surgery, no matter how minor, could easily cause the death of the patient under their care.
Dr Steve Ryan, medical director at Alder Hey said that while the "bare below the elbows" dress code is a matter of patient safety, the trust would work with Muslim students to find a solution.
He said: "We specify bare below elbows, no wrist watches, nail varnish or false nails in clinical areas. "Good hand hygiene is one of the most important and simplest actions we can take to prevent healthcare associated infections.
Er, what kind of solution is possible without proper scrubbing?
Dr Charles Tannock, a Conservative MEP and former hospital consultant, said: "These students are being trained using taxpayers' money and they have a duty of care to their patients not to put their health at risk.
"Perhaps these women should not be choosing medicine as a career if they feel unable to abide by the guidelines everyone else has to follow."
'Nuff said.
Comments
Posted by: AC | May 20, 2008 12:41 AM