NHS nurses have been told not to wear uniforms outside of hospitals after members of the public branded them “virus spreaders”, it has emerged.
An email reportedly sent to frontline medics says they should wear only plain clothes to avoid being targeted on the street.
It comes after a series of alleged verbal and physical attacks where nurses were accused of “spreading the virus”.
Some have even had their NHS ID badges stolen by muggers, thought to be seeking discounts on food.
The email, seen by The Telegraph and reportedly sent to NHS Blood and Transplant nurses, said: "From tomorrow until further notice, can all nurses please no longer wear their uniforms to travel to and from their place of work. You will need to take uniforms with you and change.
“There have been reported cases of some nurses being challenged by the public, so this is not just to protect you from carrying anything on your uniforms but from potential abuse. Please ensure you have your ID badge on you at all times when travelling to work and on work business, as you may be required to travel and [show] reasons for being there."
It is understood to have been sent only hours before the nation took part in a “clap for our carers” recognition of NHS staff on Wednesday.
One nurse said staff had been accused of spreading the virus by members of the public. “I know a lot of nurses now won't pop to the shop if they've got uniform on,” she told The Telegraph.
“In all honesty, I'm not really surprised – I've been spat at coming out of a hospital late at night, in uniform. I'm scared that incidents are going to increase, though. I think people are scared and nurses are visible, easy targets."
It comes after Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust told all staff to hide lanyards outside of work following muggers unsuccessfully trying to steal the badges of two doctors from Lewisham hospital, south London, as they walked through a nearby park.
Ruth May, NHS England chief nursing officer, said: "Our NHS staff are pulling out all the stops in the face of an unprecedented global health threat, so these reports are really concerning.
"We have seen some extraordinary acts of generosity from businesses and the public, and this will not be overshadowed by the actions of an idiotic few, but I would urge everyone to show NHS staff the gratitude they deserve and help them to do what they do best."
