News
Strong views on ‘weak’ vision panels
When developing products for the mental health sector, it should be obvious that standard designs won’t be appropriate, points out Alan Rees, MD of Corby-based Creative Ironmongery, who adds that, nevertheless, ‘some suppliers will try to convince buyers that a standard product is adequate’. He added: “When architectural
ironmongers choose to maintain an item’s attractive headline price by cost- cutting, the result can be products that fail, are difficult to use, or aren’t safe. “Take the fire safety of vision panels – some
Alan Rees.
aren’t even fire-rated. Those that are tend to use toughened glass, and unless that is installed perfectly, free from even minor damage, they will fail in a fire. Then there’s an issue with the inner blinds. Our non-flammable blinds are designed to be light to use, and tolerant of any installation issues – put them in upside down and they’ll still work. Some vision panels use lightweight plastic, mechanisms are likely to snap, and the material will give off toxic fumes in a fire.”
Alan Rees started his working life as an I-Gienic sheet supports hygiene protection
Intastop has launched a ‘hygienic, impact- resistant sheet’ as a cladding for walls and doors.
I-Gienic sheet is designed for applications ‘where infection control and exemplary hygiene standards are required’. Designed to be quick and easy to install, the sheet is reportedly simple to deep clean or ‘clinical clean’ due to its smooth, impervious surface. There is also the option of a ‘premium’ hygienic cladding, I-Gienic+, a white smooth sheet impregnated with
antibacterial properties thanks to the incorporation during manufacture of Hygienilac, which permeates each layer to ensure antibacterial protection even if the surface is damaged. I-Gienic and I-Gienic+ are available in 2 mm and 2.5 mm thicknesses. Phil Barsby, Intastop’s Business Development director, said: “Our wide selection of colours allows businesses to co- ordinate and specify protection to suit their interior schemes or brand guidelines while delivering unrivalled wall protection.”
The calming impact of murals Designed
predominantly for use on walls, I-Gienic sheet is also suitable
for doors, and is easy to install. No grouting is required, and it can easily be jointed with welding rods, silicone, or colour co- ordinated jointing trims, for a seamless finish. The sheet is Class ‘O’ fire-rated tested to BS476 Parts 6 & 7, meets EC Hygiene requirements and food safety regulations, and supports guidelines in BS8300:2001.
apprentice engineer, going on to work on prototype development, and now focuses on ‘products that solve problems’. He explained: “Sometimes Creative Ironmongery’s output is a bespoke fix no one else has been willing or able to develop. Often our ideas become cost- effective alternatives to mainstream products. We can’t cut corners with mental health, but people still try, and sometimes don’t even ensure that products are anti-ligature. Equally, why do some suppliers ignore aesthetics? With our vision panels, the beading will match the door – that’s the way it should be. There’s just not enough attention paid to the detail of the design.”
BEFORE
AFTER
Find Memory Care has teamed up with Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS to enhance the environment at Acomb Garth in York, a unit for male adults with dementia. Although a new 18-bed ward for such patients is planned as part of the new hospital, due for completion in 2019, ward manager, Gary Matfin, and advanced nurse practitioner, Darren Hughes, wanted to makes changes to support the people in their care immediately. Following success with its murals in care home settings, Find Memory Care was keen to monitor their impact in a hospital unit. Find Dementia Environment consultant, Karen Clayton, said: “We didn’t have long to wait to see the benefits – a dramatic 79.6% reduction in violence and aggressive behaviour. Both we and the Trust are thrilled.” She added: “There are mixed feelings on murals’ use in dementia care settings, as some people feel they create false realities – and poor ones certainly can do. However, Find’s designs create recognisable destinations for use in conjunction with furniture and activities, which encourage engagement and social interaction. Find understands that a mural of a café requires appropriately placed seating in front of it, and snacks to be constantly available to create the right atmosphere. Similarly, a music shop must have instruments, old-fashioned records, and sheet music, and a newsagent’s, papers and magazines.”
THE NETWORK OCTOBER 2018 7
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