Same-sex accommodation

 Same-sex accommodation is:

• Same-sex wards - a ward with dedicated toilet and washing facilities, occupied solely by either men or women, boys or girls. 
• Mixed-sex wards - with single bedrooms and same-sex toilet and washing facilities (preferably en-suite). 
• Mixed-sex wards - with bed bays (rooms with mutliple beds) occupied by either men or women with access to same-sex toilet and washing facilities. In mixed-sex wards, it is good practice to create separate parts of the ward for men and women with designated areas for the bedrooms and toilet and washing facilities for each sex. There may be times, although this is not ideal, when a corridor or the bedroom area of a ward may be mixed. If this occurs, bedrooms, toilet and bathing facilities should be designated for each sex.

Men and women should not have to pass through the bedrooms or bed bays of the opposite sex to get to their own bedrooms, toilet washing facilities. Ideally, they should not pass through mixed or communal areas next to their bedrooms or bed bays to reach their washing facilities.

Some toilets and bathrooms contain specialist facilities, for example hoists, to make them accessible for disabled users. Such facilities may be designated unisex so long as they are for use by one person at a time and  can be locked from the inside. Where necessary, staff will escort the user to the facilities. The ideal remains to have segregated and accessible facilities where possible.

Being cared for by staff of the opposite sex does not mean that you are in mixed-sex accommodation.

There is no reason for men and women or boys and girls (except infants) to share bedrooms or bed bays in mental health or learning disabilities service facilities.

Washing and toilet facilities should also be same-sex. However, some toilets and washing facilities contain specialist facilities, for example hoists, to make them accessible for disabled users. Such facilities may be designated unisex so long as they are for use by one person at a time and can be locked from the inside. Where necessary, staff will escort the user to the facilities. The ideal remains to have segregated and accessible facilities where possible.

The need to ensure high standards of privacy and dignity applies to all areas in a hospital, or health facility, including children’s and young people’s units. Boys and girls (except infants) should not share bedrooms or bed bays and should have access to same-sex toilets and washing facilities. If siblings are admitted together, it may be appropriate for them to share a bedroom and toilet or bathing facilities.

A bay is a multi-bedded sleeping area that is enclosed on three sides with solid walls. The fourth side may not have a door that closes. In mental health and learning disability settings, it is good practice to have bays that are designated bedrooms enclosed with solid walls and a door that can be closed. Organisations should be working towards the elimination of bays in favour of single bedrooms.

A ward is a clinical area in a hospital where patients are admitted and cared for by an appropriately skilled team. In a mixed-sex ward, same-sex accommodation is achieved by having single bedrooms or same-sex bed bays and same-sex toilet and washing facilities.

In mixed-sex wards, it is good practice to create separate parts of the ward for men and women with designated areas, for the bedrooms with toilet and washing facilities for each sex.

Although not ideal, there may be times when a corridor or the bedroom area of a ward may be mixed. If this occurs, bedrooms, toilet and bathing facilities should be designated to get as much gender separation.

Patients may benefit from being treated in the same area as others with similar clinical needs so the appropriate, specialist staff can treat them. This means that wards may be arranged by speciality rather than gender – for instance an eating disorder unit or a specialist, brain injury unit.

Patients may also benefit from being treated as close to home as possible, same-sex wards maybe more difficult to provide in every location.

Some wards in mental health settings are same-sex. Men and women may mix during the daytime in day areas or for therapeutic activities, where there is staff supervision.

Care and treatment will be provided by the most appropriately skilled, trained staff, and not necessarily by someone of the same sex. This may be true even if someone  is on a same-sex ward; however, they should always have access to a staff member of the same sex if requested. This may be particularly important for sensitive procedures such as searches, injections or baths. You or your carer should always let staff know about any concerns you may have about staff members of the opposite sex.

Being cared for by staff of the opposite sex does not mean that you are in mixed-sex accommodation.

It is important that people are able to spend time with friends and family while in hospital. Therefore, during visiting hours, visitors of both sexes may be present, even in a same-sex ward. Wards should have policies about visitors’ access to sleeping areas. Visitors may be discouraged or prevented from entering shared bed bays to protect the privacy and dignity of others.

High standards of privacy and dignity should always be maintained by all NHS providers. Providing same-sex accommodation applies to all areas, regardless of whether an emergency or planned admission or any local pressure on beds. However, the NHS will never turn someone away because the ‘right sex’ bed is not available.

You should not have to share a bedroom or a bed bay with a member of the opposite sex in mental health and learning disabilities units. You may share a ward with members of the opposite sex with separate bedrooms for men and women. If you do have to share toilet or washing facilities, every reasonable effort will be made to rectify the situation as soon as possible.  

In all instances, you or your relatives and carers should be informed about why the situation has occurred, what is being done to address it, who is dealing with it, and given some indication as to when it will be resolved.

If you are unhappy with the ward to which you have been admitted, then you should discuss this with a member of the ward staff or with the local Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) representative. You could also tell a friend, family member or advocate, who could discuss it on your behalf.