§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the practice of mixed wards to end; and if he will make a statement. [5697]
§ Mr. HoramIt is for trusts and health authorities to manage priorities and strike a balance when deciding their local priorities. Under the patients charter, patients have the right, except in emergencies, to be told before admission if it is planned to care for them in a mixed-sex ward. Patients can expect their privacy and dignity to be respected and for there to be single-sex washing and toilet facilities. Single-sex accommodation can often be provided within mixed-sex wards. We are preparing guidance on the design of acute wards which will give examples of how this can be done.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's definition of a mixed-sex ward. [5775]