Same-sex accomodation

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to confirm that we are compliant with the Government’s requirement to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation, except when it is in the patient’s overall best interest, or reflects their personal choice. We have the necessary facilities, resources and culture to ensure that patients who are admitted to our hospital facilities will only share the room where they sleep with members of the same-sex, with access to an appropriately designated same-sex toilet close by. Sharing with members of the opposite sex will only happen when clinically necessary (for example where patients need enhanced care such as in the Intensive Care Unit), or when patients actively choose to share. If our care should fall short of the required standard, we will report it, and resolve it, as quickly as possible. We have in place an audit mechanism to ensure reporting on this is accurate, and work with our lead Commissioner to ensure processes are robust.

Every patient has the right to receive high quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity. The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing every patient with same-sex accommodation, because it helps to safeguard their privacy and dignity when they are often at their most vulnerable.

Our aim is that all patients who are admitted to our hospital will only share the room where they sleep with members of the same-sex, and a designated same-sex toilet and bathroom will be located close by.

Same-sex accommodation means

• The room or bay where your bed is will only have patients of the same-sex as you.
• Your toilet and bathroom will be designated just for your gender, and will be located close by.

It is possible that there will be both men and women patients on the ward, but they will not share your sleeping area. You may have to cross a ward corridor to reach your bathroom, but you will not have to walk through opposite-sex areas.

You may share some communal space, such as day rooms or dining rooms, and it is very likely that you will see both men and women patients as you move around the hospital (e.g. on your way to X-ray or the operating theatre). It is probable that visitors of the opposite gender will come into the room where your bed is, and this may include patients visiting each other. It is almost certain that both male and female nurses, doctors and other staff will come into your bed area.

If you need help to use the toilet or take a bath (i.e. if you require a hoist or special bath) then you may be taken to a “unisex” bathroom used by both men and women, but a member of staff will be with you, and other patients will not be in the bathroom at the same time.