Delivering Same Sex Accommodation
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Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to delivering same sex accommodation in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines.
Same Sex Accommodation – What does it mean?
The Trust recognises that every patient has the right to receive high quality care that is safe and effective and respects an individual’s right to privacy and dignity.
When we talk about delivering same sex accommodation it means that patients should of the opposite sex. This applies to all areas of the hospital. However, there are exceptional circumstances where providing fast and effective care may take priority over ensuring same sex accommodation such as where a patient requires very specialised or urgent care.
Important information for patients and carers about male and female areas on wards.
Declaration of Compliance – March 2012
Wirral University Teaching Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust can confirm compliance with the Government’s requirement to eliminate mixed sex accommodation, except when it is in the patient’s overall best interest, or reflects their personal choice. While a great deal of work has been progressed across all inpatient areas, mainly driven by physical environmental constraints. Recommendations to address these areas have been reviewed by the Hospital Management Board and these areas are being considered as integral to future site developments in 2012.
Our aim is to have the necessary facilities, resources and culture to ensure that patients who are admitted to our hospitals will only share the room where they sleep with members of the same sex, and same sex toilets and bathrooms will be close to their bed area. Sharing with members of the opposite sex will only happen when clinically necessary (for example where patients need specialist equipment such as in Critical Care or when patients actively choose to share for instance Renal Unit and Dermatology Ward).
If our care should fall short of the required standard, we will report it. We will also set up an audit mechanism to make sure that we do not misclassify any of our reports. We will publish the results of that audit at the Care Standards Executive meeting.
In addition, we will continue to progress actions to further embed the principles of same sex accommodation throughout the Trust.
Delivering Same Sex Accommodation Action Plan
For further guidance and information on same-sex accommodation please go to NHS Choices website.