IS THERE a doctor in the house? If there is, you would expect him (or her) to be wearing a white coat, stethoscope at a jaunty angle and a wristwatch to time your pulse. Not any more.

From today new uniform rules come into force at York Hospital banning the traditional white coat, wristwatches, bracelets, ties, long sleeves and even jackets.

So your hospital doctor will be in casual dress from now on, but it is all in a very good cause.

Cuffs and wrist jewellery have been identified as the germ-ridden enemy in the war against hospital superbugs.

A new bare-below-the-elbows policy will mean medical staff can more effectively wash their hands and wrists. More power to their elbows.