Department social climate on mixed sex and segregated acute psychiatric units. Results of a survey

: The segregation of sexes in an acute psychiatric unit was followed up by means of a research survey. Patients and staff members were questioned about the ward climate before and after changing the admission procedure. The male patients merely noticed a decreased influence of sexual problems on the ward atmosphere. The female patients evaluated the new ward for women as an improvement. In particular, assistance and clarity of conditions were more positively assessed. The staff members of the previous open ward noticed a significant increase in annoyance and aggression after closing the ward and segregation of the sexes. In general, segregation of the sexes did not result in deterioration of the ward atmosphere.