Mixed Sex Wards
In 1997 the government pledged to end mixed-sex wards within two years. Yet, in November 2006 the issue of mixed-sex wards was again under the media spotlight and despite the government’s claims that 99% of trusts were providing single sex accommodation we were deluged with calls of those who had suffered the indignity of mixed sex wards.
Budget deficits in some NHS trusts together with the Government’s obsession with targets has left some hospitals with no option but to treat men and women together. Following the huge media coverage of November 2006 the Health Secretary launched a review of mixed sex accomodation across the NHS.
This review formed the basis of the Chief Nursing Officer's report in May 2007 which found 15% of Hospital Trusts were operating mixed sex wards. Additionally The Patients Association expressed concern that many patient areas were excluded from the mixed sex accommodation guidelines.
The Chief Nursing Officer promised to issue Good Practice Guidance for Trusts on mixed sex wards later in 2007 and we wait to see these recommendations.
The Patients Association have campaigned for an end to mixed-sex wards for many years and will continue to monitor the issue carefully.
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