l staff in Worcester are not allowed to wear veils while treating patients.

There is currently no national guidance on uniform policies for the 160 NHS trusts in England, with decisions left down to the discretion of local managers.

But at a time of increased public debate over Muslim head-dress, the Government has ordered a review of all health service policies on workers’ uniforms.

Reports this week have revealed that at least 17 hospital trusts have already banned staff from wearing veils when in contact with patients.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, does not allow its doctors and nurses to interact with patients with their faces covered.