Mixed-sex Wards

HC Deb 26 June 2001 vol 370 cc73-4W

Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will specify the target date for the ending of(a) mixed-sex wards and (b) Nightingale wards. [434]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: Our policy is to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation in 95 per cent. of health authorities by the end of 2002. The vast majority of National Health Service trusts are on target to achieve our objectives by the target date.

We are also committed to eliminating Nightingale wards for all older people. £120 million was announced in the Budget, and this will be used over three years to achieve our aims by March 2004.