Vol. 437 No. 4
64 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in many hospitals both male and female patients share ward facilities together; and the proposals, if any, he has to regulate the matter.
It is the accepted practice that certain hospital services such as intensive care units, coronary care units and some geriatric facilities accommodate both male and female patients. In the interests of ensuring that the privacy and dignity of patients are respected, I would be concerned at any mixing of patients, outside of the special areas to which I have referred. Occasionally it can happen that the urgent demand for beds for one of the sexes exceeds the number available and it may, therefore, become necessary to accommodate patients of both sexes in the one area for a short period. I am informed that this practice is kept to a minimum.
If, however, the Deputy has a specific case in mind, I would, of course, be willing to have it investigated.
