Support group claims vulnerable patients at risk in mixed-gender wards

HSE cutbacks are forcing hospitals to treat public patients in mixed-gender wards — a situation support groups claim is an affront to their dignity.

Senior officials confirmed the situation, which is used to free-up other beds and cut down on costs, has taken place in the Cork and Kerry region this year.

Responding to concerns raised by local politicians at the latest HSE South regional health forum meeting, Kerry area manager Michael Fitzgerald admitted mixed wards are in place in set circumstances.

However, despite fears over the impact this could have on a patient’s dignity and in some cases safety, he said the move is needed to free up beds in other wards and save hospitals money.

“It is not practice to mix male and female patients in in-patient wards.

“However, while the situation is avoided where possible, all hospitals must optimise the availability and occupancy of all bed spaces,” Mr Fitzgerald explained.

“There are extenuating circumstances where mixed wards can occur in emergency departments, acute medical admission units, intensive care units and critical care units.

“In these situations, best practices are in place to protect the privacy and dignity of patients.

“The ongoing improvements in ward accommodation and increase in single room accommodation aims to provide appropriate space for all patients,” he added.

Despite the HSE official’s insistence that safety is still guaranteed, Irish Patients’ Association chairman Stephen McMahon said the policy means there is an increased risk to vulnerable individuals.

“The needs of the patient have to come first and for some patients it is very distressing and can have a big impact on them.

“If someone needs assistance to go to the toilet, for example, on a mixed ward, will the person that helps them be male or female and do staffing levels on mixed-wards accommodate this?”

While the hospitals where mixed-wards are in use have not been formally identified the issue was raised at the health forum by independent Kerry county councillor Brendan Cronin.

He first became aware of the situation when he was contacted by the family of an elderly patient who was treated at a nearby facility.