Key advantages of single room provision include improved infection control and greater privacy for visitors and patients.
The new acute hospital in the South West will be the first new-build hospital to have single rooms for appropriate patients. Single room accommodation will also be provided in future major refurbishments where possible.
The Minister said: “Providing individual rooms for patients in hospitals will result in significant health benefits. Research shows that the main advantage of single rooms is the potential to reduce infections and improve patient safety.
“Single rooms will also facilitate greater privacy and dignity for patients and an end to mixed-sex ward areas, often a cause of concern for the public.”
The Minister said the Department had examined experience from elsewhere and looked at the cost implications of introducing single rooms into new hospitals.
“It is evident that there is likely to be a small increase in building costs, but this is outweighed by the significant benefits it can provide for patients and their families. I am determined that we provide modern world-class services to meet the needs of the people in Northern Ireland.
“Patients cared for in the new acute hospital in Enniskillen will be the first to benefit from this policy. I will be asking Trusts to ensure all new hospitals are planned on the basis of 100 percent single rooms and to maximise the number of single rooms when carrying out major refurbishments.”
Notes to Editors:
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