Nurse who ran London Marathon in her NHS scrubs is denied a world record because she didn’t wear a dress
A sexism storm erupted over what Guinness World Records classifies as a nurse’s uniform
A NURSE who ran the London Marathon in her NHS scrubs has been denied the world record for fastest marathon in a nurse’s uniform for not wearing a dress.
Guinness World Records sparked a sexism row after Jessica Anderson was ruled ineligible for not wearing a white or blue dress, pinafore apron and cap.
They claimed her standard-issue dark blue trousers and tunic - emblazoned with NHS logo and senior sister title - was better suited to a doctor.
Critics have blasted officials for their sexist and outdated criteria, saying it was more like a sexy Ann Summers outfit or the Carry on Nurse film.
It also overlooks the fact than many nurses are men, who would never be expected to wear a dress.
Jessica, who works at the Royal London Hospital, completed last Sunday’s race in 3 hours 8 minutes and 22 seconds.
She beat the standing record of 3 hours, 8 minutes and 54 seconds but her time will not be recognised by GWR.
Her colleagues have now launched a campaign to have the decision overturned, with the Royal College of Nursing backing their efforts.
'BACKWARD' BOOK
The nursing union described the policy as “unbelievably backward thinking”.
Jessica said: “I was quite taken aback when I read that they’d rejected my application and I did email them to ask them to reconsider but they said no.
“I get that it’s supposed to be a fun thing but their definition is just so outdated.
“Some of the nurses I work with do wear dresses but mostly we wear scrubs or a tunic and trousers.
“I’ve certainly never seen a male nurse wearing a dress to work.
"I’m sure Guinness World Records don’t intend to cause offence but it would be nice if they decided to revise their criteria instead of reinforcing old gender stereotypes."
Jessica contacted GWR in February about her attempt but was told she had missed the deadline for costume submissions.
GWR also explained the requirements for all costumes are specific to ensure there is a distinction between attempts.
But fellow nurse Gail Powell wrote on Instagram: “Outrageous. Uniforms have changed - we don't look like Carry On Nurse.
“There is a good reason they have changed. Well done to you. They should be ashamed.”
And user kthuwes added: “What do they want you to run in? Some Ann Summers faux uniform??!! “Or do you need to include spit/wee/pooh/puke/blood details??!!”
Prof Alison Leary, a nurse, wrote on Twitter: “This is preposterous! Guinness World Records need to drop this sexist rubbish.”
And doctor Tom Oates, a consultant at the hospital, said: “Anyone want to help my legendary colleague get her rightful world record?”
Nurse Ricky Gellissen wrote on Twitter: “What ludicrous nonsense is this? She is a nurse. She was wearing her uniform. What part of nurse’s uniform does GWR not understand? “So she has to wear a uniform that is not her official nurses’ uniform to be recognised as a nurse in uniform? Really?”
The Royal College of Nursing, said: “This is unbelievably backward thinking.
“Nurses wear uniforms of every kind and many wear no uniform at all if working away from hospitals.
“Such outdated thinking must be challenged - organisations should fast update their ideas, not least to recognise Jessica’s achievement.
"Nursing uniforms have changed and developed over recent years and there not always the need for female nurses to wear a dress or skirt.
“There are also many more men entering nursing so the traditional image of a nurse in a dress is outdated.” Jessica was running in aid of the Barts Charity to raise money for the Acute Admissions Unit at the Royal London Hospital.
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Guinness World Records last night vowed to conduct an urgent review in to the suitability of the category following the public outcry.
A spokesman said: "Inclusiveness and respect are values that Guinness World Records holds extremely dear and while we always need to ensure we can differentiate between categories, it is quite clear that this record title is long over due a review which we will conduct as a priority in the coming days."
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