The NHS broke the ban on mixed wards almost 44,000 times in 2023, with this figure doubling in five years
- The NHS placed patients in mixed-sex wards 44,000 times last year despite the ban
Patients were placed on mixed NHS hospital wards a record 43,700 times last year – despite the practice being banned in 2012.
The number of breaches last year was more than double the 20,061 reported in 2019, and the highest since data collection began in 2010.
The national breach rate was three per 1,000 treatment courses last year – up from less than one per 1,000 before the pandemic.
But Medway Foundation Trust recorded a breach rate of 26 per 1,000, while Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust had a rate of 22.5.
The use of mixed wards, with some exceptions for intensive care or chemotherapy, was banned under the NHS Constitution in 2012.
Patients were placed on mixed NHS hospital wards a record 43,700 times last year – despite the practice being banned in 2012 (Stock Photo)
NHS England said patients’ privacy, safety and dignity must be maintained with single-sex sleeping accommodation, toilet or bathroom facilities.
Wes Streeting, Labour’s shadow health secretary, said: ‘The Conservatives’ cuts to hospital beds and the failure to train enough staff have left the health service unable to protect the basic dignity of patients.’
An NHSE spokesperson said: ‘Trusts across the country are taking action to reduce or eliminate unwarranted breaches.’