Conservatives pledge to abolish mixed-sex wards
- Published: 30 September 2008 11:13
- Author: Tom Downey
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- Last Updated: 30 September 2008 11:13
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The Conservatives have pledged to scrap mixed-sex wards and allow nurses more time with patients, should they win the next general election.
Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley promised that every patient will be offered either a single room or same-sex ward.
In his speech at the Tory conference, Mr Lansley said that: 'Within 5 years under a Conservative government, every patient will be given the opportunity to choose a single room when booking an operation in hospital.
'No patient will be in mixed-sex accomodation.'
He added: 'Will take nurses away from form-filling and put them back at the bedside.'
The Tory's plans for hospital wards have been met with approval by the RCN - who are pleased that the party has listened to their recommendations.
Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive, said: 'We welcome the pledge to free up nurses from the bureaucracy of excessive form-filling so that they can spend more time with patients.'
