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21/01/2011
NHS Fines Loom Over Mixed Wards
Heavy fines are to be imposed on UK hospitals found in breach of rules over mixed sex accommodation in the NHS.
More than 11,000 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in hospitals providing NHS services in December, according to new data published by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley.
The figures come as the Health Secretary announced that hospitals found in breach from April 2011 will be fined £250 for each patient affected and each day that they stay in mixed sex accommodation.
This is the first time that verified data on mixed sex accommodation breaches - where a patient is placed in mixed accommodation without any justification - has been collected and published, revealing the nature of the problem in English hospitals. The data shows that 11,362 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in December (out of an estimated 1.4m 'Finished Consultant Episodes') but just over half of hospitals who submitted data reported no breaches.
It also showed that 92% of all breaches reported took place in acute hospital trusts.
Commenting on the statistics the Health Secretary said: "For the first time we are publishing information that exposes the true state of mixed-sex accommodation in the NHS.
"The figures show an unacceptable level of breaches in which patient dignity has been compromised.
"Publishing these figures in itself revolutionises accountability to patients but that's just the start.
"By April, we expect every hospital to be capable of meeting the single sex accommodation standard.
"And so from 1st April we are introducing £250 fines for every time a hospital has concerns that a patient's dignity is not respected in this way.
"And we are increasing the number of single rooms in the NHS to ensure no patient suffers this indignity when it is unjustified," he said.
The majority of hospitals are now compliant in eliminating mixed sex accommodation and remaining hospitals have until 1 April 2010 to declare their compliance.
(BMcC/GK)
More than 11,000 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in hospitals providing NHS services in December, according to new data published by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley.
The figures come as the Health Secretary announced that hospitals found in breach from April 2011 will be fined £250 for each patient affected and each day that they stay in mixed sex accommodation.
This is the first time that verified data on mixed sex accommodation breaches - where a patient is placed in mixed accommodation without any justification - has been collected and published, revealing the nature of the problem in English hospitals. The data shows that 11,362 patients were placed in mixed sex accommodation in December (out of an estimated 1.4m 'Finished Consultant Episodes') but just over half of hospitals who submitted data reported no breaches.
It also showed that 92% of all breaches reported took place in acute hospital trusts.
Commenting on the statistics the Health Secretary said: "For the first time we are publishing information that exposes the true state of mixed-sex accommodation in the NHS.
"The figures show an unacceptable level of breaches in which patient dignity has been compromised.
"Publishing these figures in itself revolutionises accountability to patients but that's just the start.
"By April, we expect every hospital to be capable of meeting the single sex accommodation standard.
"And so from 1st April we are introducing £250 fines for every time a hospital has concerns that a patient's dignity is not respected in this way.
"And we are increasing the number of single rooms in the NHS to ensure no patient suffers this indignity when it is unjustified," he said.
The majority of hospitals are now compliant in eliminating mixed sex accommodation and remaining hospitals have until 1 April 2010 to declare their compliance.
(BMcC/GK)
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19 May 2011
Big Drop In Patients On Mixed Sex Wards
Fewer patients now have to suffer the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation thanks to new rules introduced by the Government last year, according to new figures out today. The figures show that reported breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in NHS hospitals has fallen dramatically - down by 77 per cent since December.
Big Drop In Patients On Mixed Sex Wards
Fewer patients now have to suffer the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation thanks to new rules introduced by the Government last year, according to new figures out today. The figures show that reported breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in NHS hospitals has fallen dramatically - down by 77 per cent since December.
05 May 2009
Work Begins To Eliminate Mixed Sex Accommodation In NHS
Building work to continue the progress made and finally eliminate mixed-sex accommodation in hospitals across England has started with over 700 projects planned across 200 organisations, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced today.
Work Begins To Eliminate Mixed Sex Accommodation In NHS
Building work to continue the progress made and finally eliminate mixed-sex accommodation in hospitals across England has started with over 700 projects planned across 200 organisations, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced today.
29 January 2009
Mixed-Sex Wards 'To Be Eliminated'
From next year, it has been announced that hospitals that treat patients in mixed-sex accommodation will not be paid for their care. Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the tough new penalties as part of a package of measures being introduced in a new drive to virtually eliminate mixed-sex space and ensure it does not reappear.
Mixed-Sex Wards 'To Be Eliminated'
From next year, it has been announced that hospitals that treat patients in mixed-sex accommodation will not be paid for their care. Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the tough new penalties as part of a package of measures being introduced in a new drive to virtually eliminate mixed-sex space and ensure it does not reappear.
16 June 2011
Fewer Patients Staying In Mixed Sex Accommodation
Fewer patients are suffering the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation, according to new figures out today. Since December 2010, when the monthly collection of mixed sex accommodation was introduced, the number of breaches has dropped from 11,802 to 2,011 - a decrease of 83 per cent.
Fewer Patients Staying In Mixed Sex Accommodation
Fewer patients are suffering the indignity of staying in mixed sex accommodation, according to new figures out today. Since December 2010, when the monthly collection of mixed sex accommodation was introduced, the number of breaches has dropped from 11,802 to 2,011 - a decrease of 83 per cent.
24 February 2015
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
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