- NHS signs are a cultural institution in the almost 76-year history of healthcare
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
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 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 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
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
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