Use of NHS mixed-sex accommodation falls

The number of patients having to use mixed-sex accommodation when receiving NHS care has fallen as a result of new government regulations.

Data published by the Department of Health shows 2,660 patients were placed in mixed-sex accommodation without any justification in April 2011, down from 11,802 in December 2010, when the new rules were introduced.

Monthly collection of mixed-sex accommodation data was implemented at the end of last year due to concerns over the lack of dignity it offers patients, while a system of fines is set to be implemented this month to penalise hospitals that breach the rules further.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said this is part of the government's drive to make trusts more accountable, forcing them to explain rule-breaking to patients.

"Our information revolution will take transparency in the NHS to a new level – patients will be able to vote with their feet and choose a hospital with less mixed-sex accommodation," he added.

Earlier this month, the minister stated that the NHS has become less bureaucratic and more efficient since the coalition government came to power last year.