Mixed Wards Cause Trauma in Female Patients in Britain

In Britain, women admitted in hospital wards, which also have men, face inconvenience and trauma. They are unable to rest comfortably as they fear sexual assault.

The Patients Association says that a number of female patients have been calling them, complaining of inconvenience and invasion of privacy, on having their beds placed near men. In one instance, a woman in her 70s was totally upset and shocked when because of some confusion, a male patient tried to get into her bed in a mixed ward.

Healthcare campaigners are concerned as nearly one-fourth of patients undergo treatment in mixed wards in NHS hospitals. In certain psychiatric wards just, a thin curtain divides a room.

'For the sake of patients' privacy and dignity in the 21st century we should not be going backwards,' said Katherine Murphy the spokeswoman of the Patients Association.

The Government had promised to end the concept of mixed ward four years ago.

'The Government's pledge to get rid of mixed sex wards is yet another one of Tony Blair's broken promises,' Mrs Murphy said. 'Allowing trusts to simply put curtains up between patients makes no difference to them whatsoever,' she added.

She feels that the Government is only interested in its targets, and does not mind treating women alongside men to get waiting lists down.

She states, 'they are more interested in number crunching than quality of care.'

She feels this is causing unnecessary indignity and anxiety for patients.

She concludes, 'It is very, very disturbing that despite Britain being one of the richest countries in the world, proper care is denied to patients.' she added.

Source-Medindia
SRM/ASH/L