Menu
05/05/2009
Work Begins To Eliminate Mixed Sex Accommodation In NHS
Building work to continue the progress made and finally eliminate mixed-sex accommodation in hospitals across England has started with over 700 projects planned across 200 organisations, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced today.
The work is part of the government's pledge to ensure that men and women will not have to share sleeping areas, bathrooms or toilets when admitted to hospital and that their privacy and dignity is upheld whenever possible.
Some improvement works started in April after Alan Johnson allocated a £100 million Privacy and Dignity Fund to all Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England. This followed approval of their plans on how best to eliminate mixed sex accommodation in hospitals in their areas.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We have made great progress, however our message is clear- over the coming months we only expect to see mixed sex accommodation where it is clinically justified and from next year those trusts who fail in this duty will be financially penalised.
"It is simply unacceptable for top quality treatment by our finest surgeons, doctors and nurses to be undermined by a sub-standard mixed sex environment that patients find unsettling, uncomfortable and undignified.
"We are committed to providing patients with high quality care that is safe, effective and which puts a patient's privacy and dignity at its core. Everyone working within the NHS has a clear duty to ensure that this is not just implemented, but maintained."
To ensure that the improvements are delivered to a high standard and on time; a national improvement team has been set up to support hospitals and monitor all improvement works.
(JM/BMcC)
The work is part of the government's pledge to ensure that men and women will not have to share sleeping areas, bathrooms or toilets when admitted to hospital and that their privacy and dignity is upheld whenever possible.
Some improvement works started in April after Alan Johnson allocated a £100 million Privacy and Dignity Fund to all Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England. This followed approval of their plans on how best to eliminate mixed sex accommodation in hospitals in their areas.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We have made great progress, however our message is clear- over the coming months we only expect to see mixed sex accommodation where it is clinically justified and from next year those trusts who fail in this duty will be financially penalised.
"It is simply unacceptable for top quality treatment by our finest surgeons, doctors and nurses to be undermined by a sub-standard mixed sex environment that patients find unsettling, uncomfortable and undignified.
"We are committed to providing patients with high quality care that is safe, effective and which puts a patient's privacy and dignity at its core. Everyone working within the NHS has a clear duty to ensure that this is not just implemented, but maintained."
To ensure that the improvements are delivered to a high standard and on time; a national improvement team has been set up to support hospitals and monitor all improvement works.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2011
NHS Fines Loom Over Mixed Wards
Heavy fines are to be imposed on UK hospitals found in breach of rules over mixed sex accommodation in the NHS. More than 11,000 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in hospitals providing NHS services in December, according to new data published by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley.
NHS Fines Loom Over Mixed Wards
Heavy fines are to be imposed on UK hospitals found in breach of rules over mixed sex accommodation in the NHS. More than 11,000 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in hospitals providing NHS services in December, according to new data published by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley.
29 January 2009
Mixed-Sex Wards 'To Be Eliminated'
From next year, it has been announced that hospitals that treat patients in mixed-sex accommodation will not be paid for their care. Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the tough new penalties as part of a package of measures being introduced in a new drive to virtually eliminate mixed-sex space and ensure it does not reappear.
Mixed-Sex Wards 'To Be Eliminated'
From next year, it has been announced that hospitals that treat patients in mixed-sex accommodation will not be paid for their care. Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the tough new penalties as part of a package of measures being introduced in a new drive to virtually eliminate mixed-sex space and ensure it does not reappear.
19 May 2011
Big Drop In Patients On Mixed Sex Wards
Fewer patients now have to suffer the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation thanks to new rules introduced by the Government last year, according to new figures out today. The figures show that reported breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in NHS hospitals has fallen dramatically - down by 77 per cent since December.
Big Drop In Patients On Mixed Sex Wards
Fewer patients now have to suffer the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation thanks to new rules introduced by the Government last year, according to new figures out today. The figures show that reported breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in NHS hospitals has fallen dramatically - down by 77 per cent since December.
16 June 2011
Fewer Patients Staying In Mixed Sex Accommodation
Fewer patients are suffering the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation, according to new figures out today. Since December 2010, when the monthly collection of mixed sex accommodation was introduced, the number of breaches has dropped from 11,802 to 2,011 - a decrease of 83 per cent.
Fewer Patients Staying In Mixed Sex Accommodation
Fewer patients are suffering the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation, according to new figures out today. Since December 2010, when the monthly collection of mixed sex accommodation was introduced, the number of breaches has dropped from 11,802 to 2,011 - a decrease of 83 per cent.
16 August 2010
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
