Ipswich Hospital over 800 mixed-sex accommodation breaches

In 2012/13 the NHS Operating Framework confirmed all service providers were expected to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation, except where it "is in the overall best interest of the patient". 

According to 'delivering same-sex accommodation' guidance from 2019, patients should not normally have to share sleeping accommodation or toilet facilities with members of the opposite sex. 

Data published by NHS England shows 865 cases of mixed-sex accommodation were recorded at East Suffolk and North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) run Ipswich Hospital between January and April of this year. 

Ipswich Hospital recorded 865 mixed-sex accommodation breaches between January and April, according to NHS data (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown, Newsquest)

Of these breaches, 154 took place in January, 303 in February, 194 in March and 214 in April. 

When the ban was initially implemented by the NHS, a hospital would have to pay a fine of £250 per breach but has since been scrapped.

Had this been in place, Ipswich Hospital would be facing a potential fine of £53,500 in April 2024 alone, and a fine of £216,250 for the whole of 2024 so far said a medical negiligence solicitors.

Meanwhile at Colchester Hospital, also run by ESNEFT, just 45 breaches took place in the first four months of the year, with five in January, 16 in February, 13 in March and 11 in April. 

And at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, run by the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, 20 breaches were recorded between January and April with four in the first month, seven in February, six in March and three in April.

20 breaches were recorded at WSH (Image: Newsquest)

Head of medical negligence at Blackwater Law Jason Brady said: "Mixed-sex accommodation breaches on NHS wards pose serious issues, leading to a profound loss of privacy and dignity for patients.

"These breaches can result in significant psychological distress, particularly for those who are already in a vulnerable state. Patients may feel exposed and uncomfortable, which can hinder their recovery and overall well-being.

"It is crucial to maintain single-sex wards not only to comply with policies but to uphold the fundamental principles of providing a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all patients.

"The importance of preserving the dignity and mental health of patients cannot be overstated, and ensuring separate accommodations for men and women is a key component of quality care."

Anne Rutland, chief nurse at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our teams work hard to make sure we care for patients in same-sex areas. We do achieve this for most patients on our inpatient wards.

"However, in our medical and surgical assessment units, where we offer assessment and care before admitting someone to a specialty ward, it's not always possible to separate patients into same-sex areas due to the layout of those areas.

"We always prioritise the safety and clinical needs of our patients. When we do care for patients in mixed-sex areas, we take extra steps to maintain their dignity. We use side rooms as much as possible, and we offer same-sex toilet and changing facilities."

The hospital said breaches reported apply to medical and surgical assessment units and critical care unit step-down patients and not inpatient wards where patients have longer stays.

A spokesperson for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Trust works very hard to uphold the privacy and dignity of its patients whilst providing high quality and safe care.

"While infrequent, the Trust has robust processes in place to mitigate these events occurring so patients receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place."