NEW FIGURES have shown that the government has failed to meet its target to close all mixed-sex hospital wards by April 2004.

Despite a Labour Party pledge at the last general election, the Health Service Journal reported in April that 84 so-called Nightingale wards still exist, with 27 still awaiting approval for refurbishment plans.

The Department of Health claims that there are particular problems in three NHS trusts, although the journal argues that at least another eight trusts are experiencing difficulties.

Health minister John Hutton insisted that improvements are being made. “In 2001, there were 366 Nightingale wards for older people in use across the NHS,” he said.

“After £120 million of central investment, 97 per cent have now been eliminated or will be replaced when ongoing capital schemes have been completed.

“We are aware of the situation in the three trusts which still have Nightingale wards, and are working hard with the local Strategic Health Authorities to eliminate them as soon as possible.”

However, Age Concern said they were “disappointed” with the government’s progress. “We are disappointed that the government has failed to keep its promise to eliminate same sex wards by April 2004,” said a spokesman. “Many older people find these wards intrusive and inappropriate and are not comfort-able with them. The government must make it a priority to get rid of these wards altogether.”