Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
With reference to the statement in the Labour Party manifesto that "we will work towards the elimination of mixed sex wards", what proportion of patients are currently treated in such wards; and by how much they hope to have reduced that proportion in three years' time.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)There are no national figures available on the proportion of patients currently treated in mixed sex accommodation. However, the results of a survey commissioned by the National Health Service Executive in two health regions were published earlier this year in aReport of a survey on mixed sex accommodation in hospitals. A copy is available in the Library. Further action is being considered following a recent exercise with health authorities to establish target dates for meeting the objectives set out in guidance on mixed sex wards issued to the NHS in January.