THE ROYAL Berkshire Hospital has seen the second highest amount of mixed-sex accommodation breaches in England, a new report shows.
NHS data analysed by Blackwater Law has shown that the Royal Berks has recorded more than 2,000 breaches of NHS privacy standards in its accommodation services.
Between October last year and March this year, 2,037 breaches were logged by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust regarding mixed-sex accommodation (MSA).
MSA breaches occur when patients in non-emergency situations are placed in sleeping areas or share bathroom facilities with members of the opposite sex, which constitues a contravention of NHS privacy standards.
The standards are in place to preserve the dignity and comfort of patients during care, and though exceptions exist for clinically urgent cases, such as emergency or critical care, these should be rare.
Jason Brady, Partner and Head of Medical Negligence at Blackwater Law, said: “Mixed-sex accommodation breaches in NHS wards are a concern. These are breaches of NHS privacy standards based on their own policies.
“These breaches can cause a loss of privacy and dignity for patients and can also cause psychological distress, especially for those who are already vulnerable.
“Patients may feel exposed and anxious in mixed environments in these circumstances, which can adversely affect their well-being and recovery.
“Maintaining single-sex wards isn’t just about meeting NHS policy, it is about maintaining standards of patient safety and avoiding the risk of patient harm.”
Blackwater Law is a firm of solicitors specialising in medical negligence and serious injury, including provisions of compensation claim advice and representation.
More information is available via: blackwaterlaw.co.uk
