NEWS


The product training vehicle meeting a range of goals


Safehinge Primera says its new product training vehicle, ‘aka’ Doora, gives it the resource ‘to provide robust training’ for clinical staff, to ensure that the life- saving features of its products can be fully utilised, assisting staff caring for service-users within mental healthcare settings. Visits can address a range of training objectives – from using the Lifeline key, to gaining entry to a room in a barricade situation.


The company said: “Doora adds an extra dimension to training, enabling us to go and train end-users prior to the doors being commissioned, without disrupting the ward setting by undertaking training with service-users present. If continuation training is being


conducted, staff can take it in turns, to make sure that sufficient cover remains on the ward. The training will ensure that if the life-saving features are ever needed, staff are confident they will know what to do, and that the products will perform every time.”


Doora simultaneously showcases


Improving the experience of seclusion


Medical Architecture has completed the first phase of its redevelopment of safety suites for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. The project reportedly provides


‘a new standard of seclusion facility’ across six sites – the Low Secure Unit at Bowlers Green, and the Learning Disabilities Ward at Kingfisher Court – Dove Ward, both in Radlett; the Medium Secure Unit at Warren Court, Abbots Langley; the Beech Unit, Kingsley Green – a Low Secure Rehabilitation Unit; Astley Court, Little Plumstead Hospital – a Learning Disabilities and Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit, and the Broadland Clinic, Little Plumstead Hospital – a Medium Secure Unit. The practice says the model is ‘suitable for various mental health services, and adaptable to site-specific requirements’. Medical Architecture said: “The design offers a robust intensive care environment for the best possible outcomes for service-users and staff, including safety, durability, and therapeutic value. A connection with outdoor space has been prioritised – through views and controlled access to safe gardens, while environmental conditions are entirely adaptable to meet the service-user’s needs – including lighting, temperature, and audio-visual control.” Medical Architecture says that among


several ‘firsts’ for a seclusion environment are ‘an all-in-one control panel’ – designed by MEP engineers, Bianco Sale, with the practice’s input – which facilitates interaction with service-users, and an integral entertainment unit that service-users can use to make calls. In developing the standardised design, the Trust wanted to address ‘issues with


THE NETWORK | FEBRUARY 2023


Safehinge Primera’s products ‘to help customers make the right choices’ when specifying. The company said: “By being able to interact with our products physically, they can see the speed and assistance they provide in an emergency situation. The Full Door Ligature Alarm fitted to the bedroom door within Doora demonstrates the full process of sensing and alerting staff to any ligature attempt via a staff attack system. Those visiting the new vehicle are encouraged to test the products and see how they perform.”


Since its launch last October, Doora has covered 7,000 miles, providing demonstrations and training to 18 care providers across the UK and Ireland.


Darren Swindlehurst


– a tribute “It is with much sorrow and deepest regret that (DiMHN member) Atus Systems must pass on the incredibly sad news of the death of our friend and MD, Darren Swindlehurst, who unexpectedly passed away at home on 2 January,” says the company’s Operations manager, Alex Tomlinson. “He believed your word


the condition of existing seclusion facilities.’ Medical Architecture said: “Of varying design quality, these suffered frequent damage, often disrupting service provision, and requiring service-user re-location away from their family and support network. The new standard design creates a protective environment which safeguards dignity and wellbeing.” For each site, the standard design was adapted to the facility’s requirements. Research into existing seclusion facilities identified that wall and floor finishes were consistently vulnerable to damage, so a trowelled resin solution was developed that created a seamless and ‘unpickable’ finish. Emerging proposals were evaluated during stakeholder engagement workshops – the result being ‘an effective standardised design, suitable for use across a range of services – including low secure, medium secure, psychiatric intensive care, and learning disabilities’. Ian Tearle, the Trust’s senior Service Line lead, said: “The environment is much more robust. The walls, doors, windows – everything has remained intact even when subjected to some quite serious attempts to do damage to them.”


is your bond, and his aim for each project was to deliver on his promise known to us at Atus as ‘The three Ds – Delight, Don’t Disappoint’. Responses to his death from industry colleagues and clients alike over the past few weeks show how lasting an impression he made: “Darren was such a lovely man, personally and in a business sense. His customer service skills have been amazing, and I don’t think we will work with another like him again” – Esther L, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. “He was such a clever and helpful guy; what a loss to the industry” – Tim C, Hanson Barron Smith. ‘He was one of the finest, most genuine people I have ever met. He had a true passion for his products, and was always willing to offer support” – Jim S, Scottish Prison Service. “He was just a brilliant man, and will be


very much missed” – Vicki M, Southern Health NHS.” Alex Tomlinson adds: “Darren was such


an incredible and inspirational person to work alongside. A firm believer that ‘you can’t ask someone to do something you’re not prepared to do yourself’, he led from the front. I feel like I’ve lost a brother, but am truly honoured to have been with him for all this time. He will be sorely missed.”


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Used courtesy of Medical Architecture


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