University of Otago academics say New Zealand needs to immediately ban the practice of men and women sharing hospital rooms.
In a paper out today they argue mixed hospital rooms undermine patient security and dignity.
They say mixed gender rooms are happening in a major New Zealand hospital and the practice is increasing.
Mixed gender rooms have been banned in the United Kingdom since 2010 and there have been attempts to prohibit the practice in some Australian states.
The paper's lead author is Dr Cindy Towns.
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