An exploratory investigation into women's experiences in a mixed sex psychiatric admission unit.

In recent years, expressions of concern about the safety of women in mixed sex wards have been noted. The purpose of this exploratory study was to give hospitalized women with a diagnosis of mental illness the opportunity to describe their experiences in mixed sex wards. A qualitative study, using focus groups, was conducted. The three major themes that emerged from the study were: (i) environment; (ii) gender; and (iii) vulnerability. The study incorporated a feminist and phenomenological perspective. In essence, the study found that although some women had experienced problems with safety, they indicated they would prefer mixed sex to single sex wards.