PROTECTIVE OVER-SHOES ARE UNNECESSARY IN A DAY-SURGERY-UNIT

The lack of agreement on the use of over-shoes tends to perpetuate the ritual of their use in general operating theatres. However, the limit ed evidence which supports their use in such settings is not applicabl e in a Day Surgery Unit where their use is not recommended. In order t o reduce overt contamination in the unit theatre, a local protocol sho uld be drawn up specifying the use of designated day unit footwear for those that remain within the unit and for all persons entering the op erating theatre.