Hospital unmoved by row over workers' jewellery

By ELIZABETH BINNING

Waikato Hospital says it will not back down on an anti-jewellery policy - despite an overwhelming show of support for workers who are willing to leave their jobs before they remove their wedding bands.

The hospital plans to take disciplinary action against workers who do not comply with its new policy, which comes into effect on November 1.

The policy, which applies to 140 food workers, forbids the wearing of any jewellery - including plain wedding bands under gloves - for health and safety reasons.

Jenny Costello, a spokeswoman for dozens of angry women workers, said she was inundated with calls of support and requests for media interviews after yesterday's story.

That support had strengthened many of the workers' resolve to keep their rings on, even if it meant being disciplined.

"We have had support from all areas of the hospital," said Mrs Costello.

"The orderlies support us, the nurses support us, so do a lot of patients who say it is ridiculous."

Hospital spokeswoman Karen Bennett said the policy had been introduced after consultation with an advisory group, including staff representatives.

But it seemed some staff did not understand the policy and management would explain again their reasons for introducing it.