It's also what people might overhear - I know it sounds nuts, but vomiting on the other side of a door from the opposite sex is really grim, whereas you know other women (or men) are going to understand. I'd rather be in an all-female ward, simply because it means a whole lot of stuff you don't have to worry about.

I do however agree with the person who made the point about elderly couples dying in separate hospitals. Flexibility and compassion have to be key if at all possible.