§ Mr. Bruce GeorgeTo ask the secretary of State for Health (1) how many representations he has received against the abolition of mixed-sex specialist wards in the last year; [142553]
(2) from whom he has received recent representations against the abolition of mixed-sex specialist wards; and what plans he has to review his policy in response to them. [142547]
§ Mr. DenhamI have not received any representation against the abolition of mixed-sex specialist wards.
§ Mr. Bruce GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to utilise specialist-trained nurses and how many will become available if specialist mixed-sex wards are abolished. [142549]
§ Mr. DenhamIt is for local managers to decide how best to use their staff but it is likely that any specialist-trained nurses currently employed in mixed-sex wards will be re-deployed to deliver specialist services in a single sex environment.
§ Mr. Bruce GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will retain multi-bay mixed-sex specialist dermatological wards in order to provide specialist treatment. [142552]
§ Mr. DenhamWe remain committed to achieving the three specific objectives we have set for eliminating mixed-sex accommodation. These are
Ensuring that appropriate organisational arrangements are in place to secure good standards of privacy and dignity for hospital patients;Achieving fully the Patient's Charter standard for segregated washing and toilet facilities across the National Health Service; andProviding safe facilities for patients in hospital who are mentally ill which safeguard their privacy and dignity.It is our aim to achieve these objectives in the vast majority of health authorities by 2002.
§ Mr. Bruce GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment his Department has made as to the cost-effectiveness of single sex wards and whether they comprise best practice in respect of the provision of specialist treatment; and if he will make a statement. [142548]
§ Mr. DenhamIt is a matter for National Health Service trusts, after appropriate liaison with their local health authorities and NHS Executive regional offices, to identify cost-effective ways of achieving our objectives on eliminating mixed-sex accommodation.
Many hospitals are able to deliver specialist services to their patients in a single sex environment. It is our view that it is best practice for NHS trusts to enhance privacy and dignity, thereby increasing the quality of the service they provide to patients.