Inside the absolutely crazy world of NHS signs, from telling staff to stop pooping in the bin, to a sign warning of a ‘pigeon problem’

Health
By Liam
  • NHS signs are a cultural institution in the almost 76-year history of healthcare

By John Ely Senior Health Reporter for Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

It may sound obvious. Yet, incredibly, NHS staff are being told not to put their faeces in a bin.

It’s just one example of the crazy world of NHS signage, with staff often sharing the funniest and weirdest examples on social media. On X, formerly Twitter, there’s even an account dedicated to showcasing some of the best.

The posters, signs and notes are often handmade and intended to flatter, warn, inform and even threaten doctors and sometimes even patients.

Here, MailOnline has collected some examples reportedly seen within the healthcare industry…

The crumbling NHS infrastructure is a real concern, as this so-called health poster highlights. However, some on social media theorized that the poster could make visitors aware of other sources of noise, such as rats. The exact NHS trust the poster belongs to was not named, but similar ones have been spotted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn. Posted by Jon Coupland in Lincolnshire

This sign was reportedly seen at the NHS Countess of Chester Hospital. It comes as STD rates have recently exploded in many parts of England. Poster by @GlenworthEver from Richmond

This sign was reportedly seen at the NHS Countess of Chester Hospital. It comes as STD rates have recently exploded in many parts of England. Poster by @GlenworthEver from Richmond

These signs, which were reportedly spotted in an NHS staff room, contain warnings that devices are reserved for certain staff. The notices, which say 'do not force', were posted online by @DrIpFeed4

These signs, which were reportedly spotted in an NHS staff room, contain warnings that devices are reserved for certain staff. The notices, which say ‘do not force’, were posted online by @DrIpFeed4

This wasp infestation warning sign was apparently placed at an unnamed NHS trust in 2016. Sent to the X account @SignsofHealth

This wasp infestation warning sign was apparently placed at an unnamed NHS trust in 2016. Sent to the X account @SignsofHealth

This 2022 “NO ENTRY PIGEON Problem” alert is yet another example of animal pests plaguing the day-to-day operations of healthcare. This was posted by nurse from Cardiff @georgecxde

This 2022 “NO ENTRY PIGEON Problem” alert is yet another example of animal pests plaguing the day-to-day operations of healthcare. This was posted by nurse from Cardiff @georgecxde

This so-called NHS board aims to dispel rumors of a 'dishwashing fairy' patrolling the Trust and is urging staff to wash their plates, mugs and cutlery and not leave them in the sink. Posted by @Monique_jadey

This so-called NHS board aims to dispel rumors of a ‘dishwashing fairy’ patrolling the Trust and is urging staff to wash their plates, mugs and cutlery and not leave them in the sink. Posted by @Monique_jadey

This shocking so-called NHS sign shows 'someone' relieving themselves in a bin, as opposed to the toilet in the healthcare bathroom. Posted by Rhodri Morgan-Smith Nantwich

This shocking so-called NHS sign shows ‘someone’ relieving themselves in a bin, as opposed to the toilet in the healthcare bathroom. Posted by Rhodri Morgan-Smith Nantwich

Another alleged NHS toilet sign in the gents of an intensive care unit shows how the 'lock' can get stuck. Posted by Bristol GP Johnny Bryant

Another alleged NHS toilet sign in the gents of an intensive care unit shows how the ‘lock’ can get stuck. Posted by Bristol GP Johnny Bryant

NHS budgets are in the billions and some staff are keen to ensure every penny is well spent, as this so-called health care sign of towels seems to suggest. Posted by @WallNoise

NHS budgets are in the billions and some staff are keen to ensure every penny is well spent, as this so-called health care sign of towels seems to suggest. Posted by @WallNoise

Here, another alleged NHS office sign advises both how to operate a diabolical photocopier and its existence. Posted by South London pediatrician Sarah Sturrock

Here, another alleged NHS office sign advises both how to operate a diabolical photocopier and its existence. Posted by South London pediatrician Sarah Sturrock

This so-called healthcare board advises staff on the complicated method of controlling the lighting in an NHS room. Posted by consultant Dr Ben Lovell

This so-called healthcare board advises staff on the complicated method of controlling the lighting in an NHS room. Posted by consultant Dr Ben Lovell

'Ass-king' isn't some bizarre social media trend, but an acronym designed to remind staff to check for pressure ulcers, a type of injury patients can suffer from staying in the same position for too long lie. While some contributors have highlighted the odd word the mnemonic produces, others say it's certainly memorable. Posted by @ODanaos

‘Ass-king’ isn’t some bizarre social media trend, but an acronym designed to remind staff to check for pressure ulcers, a type of injury patients can suffer from staying in the same position for too long lie. While some contributors have highlighted the odd word the mnemonic produces, others say it’s certainly memorable. Posted by @ODanaos

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