Crossword Genius

Not where ailing sailors are housed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wardrooms

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not where ailing sailors' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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