ELIMINATING MIXED SEX ACCOMMODATION
DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE
We are proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been eliminated in all our hospitals.
Every service user has the right to receive high quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity. The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing every service user with same sex accommodation, because it helps to safeguard their privacy and dignity when they are often at their most vulnerable.
We are proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been eliminated in our organisation. Service Users that are admitted to any of 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. Sharing of sleeping accommodation with the opposite sex will never occur. Occupancy by a service user within a single bedroom that is adjacent or near to bedrooms occupied by members of the opposite sex will only occur based on clinical need. If this occurs the service user will be moved to a bedroom block occupied by members of the same sex as soon as possible.
What does this mean for service users?
Same Sex accommodation means:
· The room where your bed is will be a single room or in a shared bed bay, occupied by service users of the same sex as you.
· Your toilet and bathroom facilities will be just for your gender and will be close to your bed area.
There may be both men and women service users on the ward, but they will not share your sleeping area. You may have to cross a corridor to reach your bathroom but you will not have to pass through bedrooms occupied by members of the opposite sex.
You may share some communal day space such as dining rooms and day rooms but on all the mixed gender wards there are lounges available for women only.
It is almost certain that both male and female nurses, doctors and other staff will come into your bed area.
If you need help to use the toilet or take a bath (e.g you need a hoist or special bath) then you may be taken to a unisex bathroom used by both men and women. A member of staff will assist you. No other service user will be in the bathroom at the same time.
The NHS will not turn service users away just because a “right sex” bed is not immediately available.
How will we measure success?
The Trust continues to improve the provision of high quality facilities that meet the privacy and dignity of service users. The Trust will continue to monitor service user satisfaction in respect of privacy and dignity through our service user survey processes.
What to do if I think I am in a mixed sex accommodation?
We want to know about your experiences. Please contact Customer Services on if you have any comments or concerns.