NEW health minister Brian Gibbons has launched an investigation into the practice of placing patients in mixed-sex wards at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

Last month the Argus revealed how Portskewett woman Sue Standing was rushed into the Royal Gwent with chest pains, and after a four-hour wait on a trolley she was taken to a ward containing a number of men, with mixed-sex toilets.

Mrs Standing was horrified and complained, but was told by one member of staff that if she didn't like it she would have to discharge herself and that mixed facilities in the assessment wards were normal in Gwent hospitals.

But when Monmouth AM David Davies complained about Mrs Standing's experience it emerged that the use of mixed toilets and bathrooms in NHS trusts is a breach of Assembly guidelines.

Dr Gibbons has written to Mr Davies to express concern at what had been happening, and confirm that if patients are being forced to use mixed-sex toilets and bathrooms, then the situation would be addressed.

An Assembly spokeswoman confirmed the minister was looking into the matter and said the Assembly's policy is to phase out mixed-sex wards, other than in very particular circumstances. In a separate letter to Mr Davies the Gwent Health Trust admitted mixed-sex wards continue to be used for initial assessments in hospitals across Gwent, despite a commitment from the government seven years ago that all mixed facilities would be abolished.

"Patients should have a right to privacy," said Mr Davies. "Many will need to undergo intimate medical procedures and could be dependent on bedpans to use the toilet.

"To expect men and women to share a room in such circumstances is simply unacceptable.

"I look forward to a speedy investigation and appropriate action."

Mrs Standing said she hoped that as a result of her complaint action would be taken to prevent others having the same experience.