Staff at Gosport's War Memorial Hospital have been banned from wearing sleeves which go below the elbow in a bid to reduce infections.

New guidelines were imposed last week which also mean they aren't allowed to wear watches, have nail varnish and can only have a plain wedding ring.

The move is part of the national 'cleanyourhands' campaign and is being rolled out at the hospital in Gosport following guidance from the Department of Health.

Theresa Lewis, lead nurse for infection provision and control and the Hampshire Primary Care Trust, said the new rules will make the hospital – which has had zero MRSA cases in the past year – an even more hygienic place.

'It people have a shirt with cuffs then they won't wash their hands properly, because they will be worried about getting their sleeves wet,' she said.

'I think that not having sleeves below the elbow will make staff more aware of the fact that they have got a part to play in this and will encourage them to play their part in keeping hygiene standards as high as possible.'

The new rules, which apply to nursing and outpatient staff, are being rolled out across by the Hampshire PCT to all community hospitals in the area.

Nursing and outpatient staff on Sultan Ward at the War Memorial Hospital will also soon be piloting a new uniform, which is made from 'antimicrobial' material and designed to help minimise the spread of infection.

If the trial is successful the new antimicrobial uniforms will be worn in all community hospital across Hampshire PCT.

Infection Control Modern Matron for South-East Community Hospitals, Mary Pilgrim championed the cleanyourhands campaign and Joanne Thomas, South-East Community Hospitals Modern Matron, launched it on her behalf.

She said: 'We are really pleased with the response from staff who have been involved in the hand hygiene audit. We have been able to include patients in the work we have been doing. Good hand hygiene can have a significant impact on minimising the risks of infection in our hospitals.'