Patient and visitor information
Privacy & Dignity
Our Declaration of Compliance
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to confirm that we are compliant 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. We 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 that 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 a Critical Care Unit), or when patients actively choose to share (for instance in a renal dialysis unit).
If our care should fall short of the required standard, we will report it. We will also set up an audit mechanism, through our Clinical Assurance Tool, to make sure that we do not misclassify any of our reports. We will publish the results of that audit as part of regular (at least quarterly) reports to Trust Board.
What does this mean for patients at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?
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.
The NHS will not turn patients away just because a “right-sex” bed is not immediately available
What are our plans for the future?
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a clear plan to ensure that our patients are cared for in an appropriate environment that meets their needs. Our matrons monitor this on a daily basis and we will respond quickly to any concerns that are expressed.
The major building programme, Transforming the Newcastle Hospitals, has ensured that both Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary sites provide state of the art facilities for patients. This includes the provision of a high number of single en suite cubicles, and four bed bays, and will support the delivery of same sex accommodation.
How will we measure our success?
At the moment, whilst in hospital, we may ask our patients to complete a short paper based survey, which asks for feedback on our accommodation and toilet/washing facilities.
We intend to move towards real-time electronic surveys in order to give more patients the opportunity to have their say.
What do I do if I think I am in mixed sex accommodation?
We want to know about your experiences. Please contact the Patient Relations Department on 0191 223 1382 or North of Tyne Patient Advisory and Liaison Service (PALS) on Freephone 0800 032 0202 if you have any comments or concerns.
