§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she proposes to take to ensure that women who are admitted to psychiatric hospital are guaranteed the choice to be treated on a women-only ward if they so wish.
§ Mr. BowisThe patients charter requires health authorities to provide services which respect patients' privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs. In line with this the "Mental Health Key Area Handbook" advises health authorities that one of women's particular concerns is the choice of a single-sex ward or single-sex area.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of serious assault have been reported by women who are patients in mixed psychiatric wards for each year since 1989.
Mr. BowlsHealth authorities are responsible for ensuring there is secure accommodation for all patients and incidents should be monitored locally.