Funding boost for same-sex care

Hospital patients in Leicestershire and Rutland are set to benefit from same-sex accommodation in a bid to improve their care.

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland (NHS LCR) announced an £800,000 plan to help deliver the government's pledge on privacy and dignity for patients.

The cash will pay for new toilet and bathroom facilities, accommodation and privacy screens.

Work is already under way and should be completed by June.

The improvements mean, that in most situations, men and women will not have to share sleeping areas or bathrooms or toilets with a member of the opposite sex when admitted to hospital.

'Privacy and dignity'

Carmel O'Brien, associate director of quality at NHS LCR, said: "This funding will help to build upon the hard work in the region's hospitals to provide same-sex accommodation.

"Although patient satisfaction across Leicestershire and Rutland is good, we recognise that improvements can still be made in our hospitals.

"These projects will all help to make quick and effective improvements to providing patients with privacy and dignity."