§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the definition of a mixed sex ward includes those wards which use privacy screens. [27365]
§ Ms BlearsThe term "mixed sex ward" can be used to describe a variety of arrangements. The use of partitioning as a means of dividing wards into bays, which are then used to accommodate either male or female patients, is an acceptable means of protecting patients' privacy and dignity.
However, the use of moveable privacy screens alone is not acceptable, as these provide poor physical separation of facilities. Their use as an adjunct to permanent solutions, such as partitioning, can be helpful in further enhancing a sense of privacy and dignity.
Guidance on maintaining privacy and dignity was first issued to the national health service in 1997. This guidance clearly states that any screening in use must be adequate to ensure privacy is maintained, e.g., which will prevent patients being overhead or overseen by others, where this is not desirable.
Protecting patients' privacy and dignity is of paramount consideration, irrespective of whether the ward is single-sex or accommodates both male and female patients in appropriately designated bays.