Age UK response to mixed-sex wards
Published on 16 August 2010 11:00 AM
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:
"Many older people find mixed-sex wards extremely distressing and an infringement of their dignity, so today's announcement to put an end to this type of accommodation for good will be welcomed.
"The issue of mixed-sex wards has been around for a long time and successive governments have failed to fully solve the problem. We hope today's commitment marks the final push to making this a thing of the past.
"Time and again older people say being treated with dignity and given sufficient privacy is very important to them. As the largest users of NHS services, it is important both Government and medical staff come together to get this aspect of care right for older people."
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Notes to editors
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.
Media contact: Vicky Smith
Tel: 020 8765 7515