The infection prevention team at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust are promoting their ‘gloves off’ message, explaining to patients when disposable gloves are not needed and at the same time promoting a greener NHS.
It’s important to explain that gloves are not needed during activities such as:
- Taking patients’ vitals (e.g. blood pressure, temperature etc.)
- Examining or touching a patient (where there is no contact with blood or body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes or harmful drugs or chemicals.)
- Assisting a patient with food and drink
- Giving vaccinations
- Administration tasks near a patient (e.g. answering the phone, using the computer)
- Moving a patient’s belongings
- Tidying the bedspace.
There’s also an important focus on reducing plastic waste and promoting a Greener NHS. Due to unnecessary glove use, around 1.1 billion gloves are used in the NHS each year which contributes to the planet’s plastic and microplastic problem.
It’s also important for good skin health for staff, as inappropriate glove use can lead to skin conditions like dermatitis for staff, as well as the spread of infection and cross-contamination if hand washing is not done whilst wearing gloves.
Infection prevention lead nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Arlene Beausire, said:
“We want our patients and visitors to understand that gloves aren’t always needed and it’s not just that staff have forgotten to put them on. Evidence shows that clean hands are as effective a barrier as non-sterile gloves.”

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Repair café returns to Skipton next weekend
No motorists turned away from Skipton waste centres due to rule change
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Campaign opposing wind farm on edge of Yorkshire Dales gathers pace
Skipton based charity appoints new patron
New strategy to address decline of nature across North Yorkshire
Council-run Brierley Homes set to report £7.5m loss
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of Location, Location, Location
Registration opens for Great Santa Fun Run
Tickets go on sale for this year's Silsden Proms on the Farm
Council's "patch up" approach to filling potholes criticised
Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors
Craven Lawn Tennis Club to open grounds for fundraising weekend


