SIR – In her letter (T&A, September 7), Christine Watkin suggested mixed wards should be left alone, but, rather foolishly thought that the term referred to the doctors, nurses and staffing.

I think, possibly, there are more women than men who prefer to be in wards where the patients are of the same sex.

Or am I being foolishly ignorant?

Philip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley