Not allowed water bottle
I am an intensive care nurse for the nhs.
I have a medical condition that I take medication for. The medication in question gives me unfortunate side effects - dry mouth, hot flushes, and very occasionally, dizziness. I used to keep my water bottle on me at work, storing it on a counter nearby. I take this home with me after shift. It is wipeable with disinfectant wipes.
Work have since banned water bottles from the clinical area, and now you must store your bottles on a trolley directly outside of the room. I am currently stuck as my work have straight up refused my request that I keep my water bottle on me.
My reasoning for my request is the frequency of which I need to drink in order to manage my symptoms. Not to mention the fact that when caring for very sick patients, it does not seem very practical for me to continuously leave the room to go get a drink.
I have been advised that my request is not unreasonable however despite two letters from my doctor, work keep hitting back that due to infection control, water bottles are not allowed.
I would appreciate some input as to where I stand.
Thank you.