Mixed sex wards might be penalised

Authorities in charge of trusts that have mixed sex accommodation where it is not clinically justified could be financially penalised from next year, it has been announced.

Around 40 million pounds has been allocated to refurbishing hospitals to ensure men and women have separate sleeping areas, toilets and bathrooms.

Building work will be carried out on more than 700 projects across 200 organisations.

Health secretary Alan Johnson said it is unacceptable for top-class treatment to be undermined by sub-standard mixed sex environments.

These sorts of conditions can be unsettling, uncomfortable and undignified for users of the health service, he added.

“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,” stated Mr Johnson.

“Everyone working within the NHS has a clear duty to ensure that this is not just implemented, but maintained.”

This month, the Department of Health announced 30,000 NHS workers who operate alone with patients would receive personal alarms so they can call for assistance if their safety or security is threatened.

Mr Johnson asserted the move was in an attempt to help protect employees.