CARRY On caricatures of naughty nurses flashing too much cleavage are a thing of the past at NHS Hertfordshire, after a crackdown on provocative dress.

New guidelines issued to staff ban pulse-raising scanty garments like low-cut tops, mini-skirts and leggings at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust’s four hospitals, which includes the QE2 in Welwyn Garden City.

Health chiefs insist that the drive for demure dress is not as a result of patients’ complaints, but merely a way for staff to look professional.

A hospital source exclusively told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “There’s a new dress code which says that exposure of cleavage is not permitted, among other things.”

A Trust spokesman said: “As has been the case for some time, the dress code’s aim is to establish a professional and consistent image that reflects the Trust’s values.

“For many groups of staff, for example nurses, midwives, radiographers and pharmacists, this is achieved through wearing a uniform.

“For non-uniformed staff, however, it is important they too dress in a way that is both practical and professional in appearance.”

The spokesman said the cleavage ban had not been adopted “because of concerns raised by patients and/or members of the public, either recently or in the past”.

The exact wording bans clothes that could “undermine the spirit” of the policy.

It added: “Clothing that exposes the midriff, torso or excessive cleavage, along with wearing denim, shorts, leggings and mini-skirts, are not acceptable attire.”