We are proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been virtually eliminated in Brent

Further information on our work to deliver same sex accommodation
Every patient has the right to receive high quality care that is safe, effective and respects their privacy and dignity. Brent Community Services 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.

We are proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been virtually eliminated in Brent. Patients who are admitted to hospital will either have their own room, en-suite, or share the room where they sleep with members of the same sex, and same sex toilets and bathrooms will be close to their bed area.

For more information please contact:
Dawn Chamberlain, Assistant Director, Inpatient & Therapy Services, Brent Community Services, Willesden Centre for Health and Care, Robson Avenue, London, NW10 3RY

What does this mean for patients?
Other than in the circumstances set out above, patients admitted can expect to find the following:

Same sex-accommodation means: ·  The room where your bed is will only have patients of the same sex as you ·  Your toilet and bathroom will be just for your gender, and will be close to your bed area 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 (eg 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 (eg you need 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. The NHS will not turn patients away just because a “right-sex” bed is not immediately available

What do I do if I think I am in mixed sex accommodation?
We want to know about your experiences. Please contact Dawn Chamberlain as above.