Government’s same-sex accommodation rules fail to take in wishes of young patients, new research reveals
THE introduction by the Government of fines for NHS trusts that treat patients in mixed-sex environments fails to properly consider the needs of children and adolescents, according to researchers in Leicestershire.
A survey carried out as part of a collaboration between Leicestershire LINk and Leicester Children's Hospital has revealed that young people would rather be treated by age than gender.
But, with the Government fining organisations £250 for every patient treated in a mixed-sex environment, trusts are faced with a tough choice between acting on the desires of their younger patients and avoiding hefty penalties.
Ian Clowes, engagement officer at Leicestershire LINk, explained: “We spoke to 232 young people under the age of 16 and the older ones told us that being of a similar age to other patients was more important than being of the same sex.
“Older children made comments like they did not want smaller children going through their things and messing them up, and there was the noise factor too.
The results of this research confirm our beliefs that children and young people prefer to be with people their own age when staying in hospital, rather than being split according to their gender
“In their everyday lives children mix with their peers and at school they are divided by age and not so often by sex. While some of those we questioned did mention privacy and dignity being critical, particularly for girls, they felt it was more important to be with their own age group.”
The current government guidelines state that same-sex accommodation may be considered where it is requested by patients. However, realistically, few trusts have the facilities or the flexibility to offer a choice and will separate by sex to avoid possible fines.
Clowes said: “I think the Department of Health guidelines have been done for the right reasons and are well meaning. Before they came into force, people were quite emotive on the subject and had raised concerns about privacy and dignity in hospitals.
“However, while they do offer some flexibility to ask patients what their preference is, I do not believe hospitals are generally geared up to be able to offer a choice. The guidelines are good in theory, but hospitals are not flexible. There are choices, but there are also limitations.”
The guidelines are good in theory, but hospitals are not flexible. There are choices, but there are also limitations
The research found that 87% of under-16s who took part in the survey prioritised age over gender. And this has led to moves by Leicester Children's Hospital to review its policies.
Modern matron, Liz James, said: “The results of this research confirm our beliefs that children and young people prefer to be with people their own age when staying in hospital, rather than being split according to their gender.
The survey is a really positive example of the ongoing joint work between the hospital and young people that helps us to improve the care and facilities we provide
“Now, when children and young people are admitted to wards at Leicester Children's Hospital, we explain to them that we have mixed-sex and mixed-age accommodation. If they express a preference to only stay with other people of their own gender, or to be in a separate room, we will discuss the options available to them.
“The survey is a really positive example of the ongoing joint work between the hospital and young people that helps us to improve the care and facilities we provide.”
And Clowes urged other trusts to do all they can to follow Leicester's lead, telling BBH: “They should take note of this and the debate should continue.”
Clowes also revealed that the introduction of the mixed-sex accommodation penalties in April of this year has caused other problems within NHS trusts.
He told BBH: “We are working with the hospital to look at concerns within the daycare service since the introduction of the same-sex legislation. At Leicester, this has impacted on services with patients waiting much longer for treatment, issues with the deployment of nursing staff and implications for the patient environment.”
