Barney, I think it's very sad that when people get old the same respect isn't shown them. I mean, I can't see a male nurse attending a younger woman's personal hygiene. Why should that change just because someone is older? They FEEL the same although might not be in a position to voice their objections. They'd better not come near me if I ever have the misfortune to be bed-bound.!!!!!!!

hi ann I'm afraid I have to take issue with you on your post.it seems slightly sexist. what's the difference between male patients being attended and ministered to by female nurses which it has been for practically all of medical history and ladies having male nurses seeing to them? when one is ill surely any relief and care by a kind and professional person is to be more than welcomed? on the frequent occasions that i've been in hospital I never worried which gender the person nursing me was.

Eamon, I take your point. It's a a strange one right enough. However, nurses have traditionally been female and we've got used to being cared for by the "gentler sex". Males, including my son-in-law, have now joined the ranks of nurses, but for me it's too late to accept a male nurse for intimate care. Maybe younger people feel differently. My oldest son was here for lunch and I mentioned to him about females being washed by male nurses. He said that he wouldn't want to be washed by a male nurse either. He did add that a nurse like Pamela Anderson would do him just fine. You see, that's men for you. I rest my case.

Hi all,

Maybe it is old fashioned or prudish of me, but I prefer the sexes to be separate in every way.

As an old neighbour said to the District Nurse, when she attended him & attempted to give him a bed-bath, while he was confined to bed (with his cap still on).

He said to her " Missus, what are you doing washing auld fellas Away with you."

Each to his own I say. Pat