"Mixed Sex Accommodation Breach"

Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback on the NHS Choices/Patient Opinion websites regarding the care you experienced in the Radiology Department at Trafford General Hospital.

We are very sorry that you felt that the waiting area did not afford privacy and dignity to the inpatients and apologise if this cause any distress to you and your wife.

The Department of Health advice on this matter specifically applies to ward areas, and whilst we do everything we can to protect patient dignity when patients move around the hospital environment, it is not always possible to adhere to same sex waiting areas in every department.

We always ensure patients are suitably dressed and covered up, and would always take into consideration cultural and religious beliefs.

The inpatient waiting area does have a curtain, which we usually close on the side adjoining the outpatient area, however on occasions patients request the curtain is left open so that they can see into the waiting area.

We value all feedback we receive and thank you for your comments.

We will ensure these are shared with all staff in this area so that they can be mindful of this.

It is very difficult to respond to the specific concerns you have raised without being able to investigate these in more detail. We take all issues surrounding patient experience very seriously and would very much like to hear from you directly about yours and your wife’s experience.

If you would like to discuss this further please our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0161 276 8686 or by e-mailing pals@cmft.nhs.uk they will be able to discuss this with you.

Once again, please accept our apologies that you felt the waiting area was not appropriate and that the screens were not being used effectively.

The Patient Experience Team

Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback on the NHS Choices/Patient Opinion websites regarding the care you experienced in the Radiology Department at Trafford General Hospital.

We are very sorry that you felt that the waiting area did not afford privacy and dignity to the inpatients and apologise if this cause any distress to you and your wife. The Department of Health advice on this matter specifically applies to ward areas, and whilst we do everything we can to protect patient dignity when patients move around the hospital environment, it is not always possible to adhere to same sex waiting areas in every department.

We always ensure patients are suitably dressed and covered up, and would always take into consideration cultural and religious beliefs.

The inpatient waiting area does have a curtain, which we usually close on the side adjoining the outpatient area, however on occasions patients request the curtain is left open so that they can see into the waiting area.

We value all feedback we receive and thank you for your comments. We will ensure these are shared with all staff in this area so that they can be mindful of this.

It is very difficult to respond to the specific concerns you have raised without being able to investigate these in more detail. We take all issues surrounding patient experience very seriously and would very much like to hear from you directly about yours and your wife’s experience. If you would like to discuss this further please our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0161 276 8686 or by e-mailing pals@cmft.nhs.uk they will be able to discuss this with you.

Once again, please accept our apologies that you felt the waiting area was not appropriate and that the screens were not being used effectively.