NHS breached mixed-sex ward ban nearly 44,000 times in 2023 as the figure doubles in five years

The NHS placed patients on mixed-sex wards 43,700 times last year, more than double the breaches in 2019, despite a ban on the practice since 2012. Medway Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust recorded the highest breach rates. Labour claims the government’s cuts and lack of trained staff are jeopardising patients’ dignity. NHS Trusts are said to be taking action to reduce these breaches.