Single sex accommodation—our pledge to patients

At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust we believe that every patient has a right to high quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity.

We are pleased to confirm that we have complied with the Government’s requirement to provide single sex accommodation by 1 April which means that no patient has to share the room in which they sleep or the toilet and bathroom they use with members of the opposite sex.

The only exceptions are if it is clinically necessary, for example when patients need specialist treatment such as in our Intensive Care Unit which takes priority.

For younger patients, there is evidence that many children and young people find great comfort from sharing an area with others of a similar age and so they are likely to be more concerned about sharing with other children and young people of their own age rather than sharing with members of the opposite sex. If this is the case, we will support their choice to be cared for in a mixed sex area.

Any patients or relatives who have questions or concerns about single sex accommodation can ask any member of staff or ask to speak to the nurse in charge or ward manager.