HC Deb 07 March 2002 vol 381 cc545-6W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what criteria he will decide when he has met his pledge to end the existence of mixed-sex wards. [40197]

Ms Blears

Guidance on maintaining privacy and dignity was first issued to the service in 1997 and since then trusts have been working towards clear targets to eliminate mixed sex accommodation in 95 per cent. of NHS trusts by December 2002.

There are three targets that trusts are working towards. These are: Ensuring that appropriate organisational arrangements are in place to secure good standards of privacy and dignity for hospital patients; Achieving fully the Patient's Charter standard for segregated washing and toilet facilities across the NHS; Providing safe facilities for patients in hospital who are mentally ill which safeguard their privacy and dignity.