We are proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been virtually eliminated in our hospital

Every patient has the right to receive high quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity. Barnsley Hospital is committed to providing every patient with same sex accommodation, because it helps to safeguard their privacy and dignity when they are at their most vulnerable.

Patients who are admitted to any of our wards will only share the room where they sleep with members of the same sex, and same sex toilets and bathrooms will be close to the bed area. Sharing with members of the opposite sex will only happen by exception based on clinical need (for example where patients need specialist equipment in critical care areas, Intensive Treatment Unit, Post Operative Surgical Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Respiratory Care Unit and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit and also upon admission in the Medical Admission Unit.

What does this mean for patients?

Other than in the circumstances set out above, patients admitted to Barnsley Hospital can expect the following

Same sex-accommodation means:

• The room where your bed is will only have patients of the same sex as you
• Your toilet and bathroom will be just for your gender, and will be close to your bed area

It is possible that there will be both men and women patients on the ward, but they will not share your sleeping area.  You may have to cross a ward corridor to reach your bathroom, but you will not have to walk through opposite-sex areas.

You may share some communal space, such as day rooms or dining rooms, and it is very likely that you will see both men and women patients as you move around the hospital (eg on your way to X-ray or the operating theatre).

It is probable that visitors of the opposite gender will come into the room where your bed is, and this may include patients visiting each other.

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 (eg you need a hoist or special bath) then you may be taken to a “unisex” bathroom used by both men and women, but a member of staff will be with you, and other patients will not be in the bathroom at the same time.

What are our plans for the future?

Barnsley Hospital has plans to continually monitor all areas of the Trust. Those specifically indicated above will also be subjected to review in terms of improving patient experience within the challenges in delivering complex care.

Any new developments within the hospital will continue to have single sex accommodation as one of the key central requirements.

How will we measure success?

Barnsley Hospital will continue to measure our success by on-going monitoring of all clinical areas. Specific measures will be put in place in specific areas of the Trust. Further to this monitoring there will also be several approaches to measuring patient experience in this field of care. Periodic reports will be also be submitted to the Trust Board.

What do I do if I think I am in mixed sex accommodation?

We want to know about your experiences. A variety of people will hear your concerns; these are the hospitals Matrons, the PALs Team, and alternatively you may speak with the Trust Dignity Lead Ian Boldy on 01226 435432.