Telephone (mobile) 0404 145 364 (international) +61 404 145 364

Email  fopwg@vicnet.net.au

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A CARERS’ PERSPECTIVE
 

Re the desirability of same sex only accommodation in psychiatric hospitals and clinics

"It is forty years ago since I, as a carer, became a visitor to psychiatric hospitals; in those times women's and men's wards were quite separate. There may have been some mixing of the sexes in the grounds or in counselling or activities areas, but there was a clear division between the sleeping, toilet and bathing facilities. Nursing staff, both men and women, were dressed in uniforms and always looked neat and clearly identifiable to visitors and patients. Women's wards were decorated with vases of flowers and were clean and attractive. I do not recall staff smoking on duty.

During the eighties and nineties when I was again, as a carer, required to visit psychiatric hospitals – in particular Royal Park – I was dismayed to see what had happened in the intervening years. In both the closed and open wards patients of both sexes, who were having major psychotic episodes, were mixing freely. The sleeping quarters were not segregated, toilets and showers were unisex, or there did not appear to be clear demarcation, and there was a general air of neglect. By now it was difficult to establish who were the staff and who were the patients as they frequently sat together smoking. The dress of the nursing staff was often untidy. This was understandable for patients, as they were frequently under heavy medication and in disturbed states.

I have observed the familiar behaviour, often quite aggressive and sexually explicit, of male patients to female patients. Women in these circumstances are particularly vulnerable and at risk of unwanted pregnancies, infections and overall physical abuse. This is not to say that male patients are not at risk from female patients who make sexual advances to them. Families of either sex who are trying to cope with the existing situations do not need the further burden of such entanglements. Parents, children, husbands and wives of patients need to know that their loved ones will not have to face problems which may arise.

It is clear that people with psychiatric illnesses, particularly women, are being placed at risk by the existing policy of unisex facilities. With the ever-burgeoning increase in these illnesses, it has become a matter of urgency that these matters be addressed immediately. Priority should be given to upgrading existing facilities. Planning for future hospitals and clinics should is based on same sex only accommodation, as it is an essential requirement.

I would like to extend my best wishes to you and your committee for the valuable work you are undertaking."
 

Signed: A Mother whose daughter manages manic depression