Single-sex accommodation

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to be able to confirm that, in line with Department of Health requirements, we have eliminated mixed-sex accommodation except where it is in the overall best interests of the patient or reflects their patient choice.

Every patient has the right to receive high-quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity.  Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to ensuring that all patients who are admitted to our hospital for surgery will have access to single-sex bathroom and toilet facilities.  All patients coming into hospital for day-case admission or for an overnight stay are cared for in a same-sex environment, either in single rooms or on same-sex wards.

Same-sex accommodation means:

• The room where your bed is will only accommodate patients who are the same sex as you
• Your toilet and bathroom facilities will only be used by patients who are the same sex as you
• It is possible that there will be both male and female patients on the ward, but patients of different sexes will not share the same room or bay
• You might have to cross a ward corridor to reach your bathroom or toilet, but you will not have to walk through opposite-sex areas
• You could share some communal space, such as day rooms or dining rooms, and it is very likely that you will see both male and female patients as you move around the hospital (e.g. on your way to the operating theatre)
• It is probable that visitors of the opposite sex will come into the room where your bed is, and this could 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

How will we measure success?

We will monitor compliance with this standard and identify all breaches, which will, in turn, be reported to the Department of Health.

Any episodes of non-compliance will also be escalated to local management teams for remedial action and reported to the trust board via the quarterly patient experience report.

What to do if you think you are in mixed-sex accommodation

Should it ever be necessary to offer you accommodation in a mixed-sex environment, the reasons for this will be explained to you beforehand and your consent obtained.

If you are concerned and would like to discuss this further or require any additional information or clarification please ask to speak to the matron or lead nurse for the area, or contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 020 7566 2324 or by email to moorfields.pals@nhs.net