IT has been a symbol of the medical profession for more than a century.

But today the traditional doctors' white coat was banned at York Hospital after being condemned as a harbinger of infection.

Instead, doctors at the Wigginton Road site must wear a new short-sleeved uniform as part of the hospital's drive to fight off hospital superbugs.

The bare below the elbows' dress code, which came into force yesterday, applies to all doctors, nurses, clinical, administrative and managerial staff working in clinical areas.

Director of nursing Libby McManus said: "Being bare below the elbows will not only allow staff to more effectively wash their hands, but it also shows our commitment to excellent clinical care for patients and their relatives.

"Patient safety is our number one priority and cleanliness is a major part of that."

Borrowed from the scientists who were making breakthroughs in laboratories, the white coat was first adopted by doctors in the 19th century to help give more credibility to their profession.

But new research has established a link between transmissions of infection and cuffs of long shirt sleeves and ties that are rarely washed.

Under the bare below the elbows' dress code, staff have also been banned from wearing watches, bracelets, ties, jackets, long shirt sleeves and wrist bands.

The only jewellery that is allowed is a single plain band wedding ring.

Ms McManus said: "Long sleeved clothing can prevent good hand and wrist washing and dirt and bacteria can remain beneath jewellery.

"All staff should be thoroughly washing their hands between patients and clinical procedures to minimise the risk of infection."

The new uniform policy is the latest initiative adopted by York Hospital to cut the risk of infection.

Bug-busting alcohol gel dispensers can now be found at the site's main entrance and at every point of patient contact in the hospital.

During the financial year 2007/8, the hospital recorded 16 cases of MRSA bacteremia, which was in line with the Government set target.

Cases of the potentially fatal superbug have been reduced by 50 per cent at York Hospital over the past three years.

Ward sister Jean Dawson said: "It is essential we do everything possible to keep MRSA out of the hospital because it prolongs patient stays and makes people extremely ill."