Overshoes / scuffers were the solution adopted by the London Ambulance
Service when entering mosques and other places of worship where the removal
of shoes is expected.
However, it was found that where offence had been taken in the past, it was
not so much the presence of shoes which had given offence so much as the
poor skills in explaining why this wasn't possible (whether this be H&S or
the time taken to take off shoes when trying to get to heart attack victim
etc).
Alison Devlin
-----Original Message-----
From: Health of minority ethnic communities in the UK
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Robinson, James
Sent: 26 July 2005 10:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Removing of shoes
I have received a query from community nursing staff regarding which I would
welcome colleagues advice.
It is normal practice for them to remove footwear when visiting families
where it is cultural/religious practice. However there are occasions when
staff feel for health and safety reasons this puts them at risk. While
wanting to protect themselves where they feel it necessary they also wish to
avoid causing offence and want to know if there is an acceptable alternative
to removing shoes. They have queried whether the wearing of overshoes would
be such an alternative. Any thoughts?
Jim Robinson
Equality and Inclusion Facilitator
NHS Lothian University Hospitals Division
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