Hansard

Health: Showers in Hospitals

Volume 699: debated on Monday 18 February 2008

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Baroness Barker

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the recommended ratio of showers to patients in NHS hospitals. [HL1794]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health
(Lord Darzi of Denham)

Local health service managers are responsible for ensuring that there are proper and sufficient facilities to meet patients' personal hygiene needs. Best practice guidance made available to the National Health Service recommends that for new-build and major redevelopment the ratio of patient showers in NHS hospitals should be one en-suite shower for each four-bed room and one en-suite shower for each single room.