RCN welcomes new plans to tackle mixed sex accommodation
Published: 28 January 2009
Commenting on the announcement of a new package of measures to “virtually eliminate” mixed sex accommodation, Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:
“Following a decade of campaigning on mixed sex wards, we are delighted to hear the strongest commitment to date that the Government has robust plans to tackle this serious and widespread problem.
We know that nurses and all healthcare staff want to provide high quality dignified care but mixed sex wards are a major obstacle in the way. A ring-fenced Privacy and Dignity Fund is a clear assurance that the Government intends to improve standards of care, and provide an environment where dignified patient care is a likely outcome.
As an organisation which actively encourages and empowers healthcare professionals to improve dignity in care, we wish to work with DH to ensure the fund is appropriately spent and the aims are met effectively and efficiently.
The proposed introduction of penalties for hospitals which continue to treat patients in mixed-sex accommodation suggests the Government is taking the issue very seriously, however, we welcome further detail on how this would be implemented and reassurance that poor performing trusts will not become even worse if they have money taken away because of mixed sex accommodation.”
In 2008 the RCN launched the Dignity: At the heart of everything we do campaign. One of our key asks was for the elimination of mixed sex accommodation.
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.