NEWS


Sycamore’ facility’s range of indoor and outdoor settings


Developed around a ‘village campus’ concept, a new medium secure hospital at the heart of the £60 m redevelopment of Northgate Park Hospital in Morpeth, Northumberland, provides a range of indoor and outdoor settings for relaxation and activity, ‘relieving boredom, and addressing the risk of challenging behaviours and poor physical health’. Architects, Medical


Architecture said: “Built by Sir Robert McAlpine for NTW Solutions – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Sycamore provides 116 male inpatient beds in new and reconfigured buildings. The new-build element provides inpatient accommodation for 72 male patients with forensic mental health needs. Delivered through the New Hospital


Programme, the project forms part of the Trust’s £72.6 m Care Environment Development and Re-provision programme (CEDAR). The eastern part of the existing large open hospital campus is neighboured by mature woodland. Early feasibility work demonstrated benefits to flanking the new hospital by trees on three sides; the natural setting enhancing the accommodation’s therapeutic nature. Medical Architecture said: “A key design driver was to ensure a meaningful


day for all patients, promoting recovery through activity, with a ‘village campus’ feel, focusing on the individual patient and staff experience. As many spaces as possible, inside and out, offer opportunities for mitigating boredom. This is achieved in settings accessible autonomously – from bedrooms to living spaces, and sheltered gardens to open courtyards, with opportunities for structured and unstructured sports and activities.” The six patient wards are paired together


and arranged around a large recreation courtyard. Each building is adjoined, creating a secure boundary without fences, minimising the feeling of confinement. The architects say that ‘with rich landscaping and integrated security measures, this shared space doesn’t feel like a typical forensic mental health facility’.


‘Cutting-edge’ IPS units for en-suite and laundry refurb at Lincoln facility


BioClad, the pioneer of what is reportedly the world’s first antimicrobial integrated plumbing system (IPS), has delivered 10 of its ‘cutting- edge’ BioAcute IPS units for an en-suite and laundry refurbishment scheme at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Hartsholme Centre at St George’s Hospital, Lincoln. BioClad explains that


the project involved installing a series of en- suite facilities ‘designed to guarantee the utmost standards of hygiene protection’ – thanks to the incorporation of the company’s ‘innovative silver ion technology’ into the IPS units’ PVC cladding. Meticulously crafted access hatches minimise anti-ligature opportunities.


BioClad said: “Each BioAcute unit is enveloped in antimicrobial PVC cladding


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with an 18 mm PVC core, ensuring complete water resistance and longevity well beyond its 20-year warranty. This lightweight yet durable unit not only guarantees a lifetime of protection, but also boasts a sleek, seamless design. Behind each BioPod unit is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure meticulous craftsmanship, totally bespoke design, and attention to detail. The team strives to embrace cutting- edge ideas, constantly


seeking innovation to stay abreast of the evolving healthcare industry.” After expanding its manufacturing unit


in November 2023, BioClad has achieved a lead time of less than two weeks from approval of drawing. A dedicated workshop team operates on a split shift, covering both day and night, to guarantee on-time product delivery.


The courtyard’s two distinct, separate


‘Passive’ and ‘Active’ character zones offer, respectively, restful places and ‘refuge’ to sit among plants and grasses, with views out to the wider recreation area, and a 200 m jogging/walking loop, activity spaces, and a fitness ‘trim trail’. The main reception building houses a covered sports barn. At each ward’s centre is a private landscaped courtyard for relaxation, while between each ward pair is a designated activity courtyard, with sports court markings. Bedrooms face outwards, with views to


the surrounding woodland, while abundant daylighting, attractive views, and a sense of spaciousness, contribute to the therapeutic environment.


Ensuring safe evacuation in


emergencies dormakaba has launched an escape route system designed to keep buildings and doors secure while allowing a safe means for evacuation in an emergency situation. It says that by installing its BS EN


13637-compliant SafeRoute emergency exit and escape route system, both the functionality and security of a building are increased, while ensuring swift evacuation in the event of emergency. dormakaba said: “Whether for a single door, or multiple doors connected over a network throughout a building, with SafeRoute escape doors can be electronically controlled with a robust, safe exit system. “With the


SafeRoute software or control unit system, other components can be connected to create a network tailored (and expandable) to meet the specific challenges for the building, and the required functionality. For example, it can be integrated with key switches, touch displays, and fire detection systems, so that when a fire is detected, SafeRoute will automatically activate evacuation alarms, emergency lighting, and signage, to guide people along safe escape routes.” A delayed egress functionality can be applied where misuse of a fire escape door or evacuation point is a concern. dormakaba said: “This provides a safe means of securing escape doors against misuse, or, for example, to improve security to prevent theft – all while complying with the Building Regulations. This innovative solution can be networked to door management software, enabling advanced alerts and reporting of unauthorised emergency exit usage for security personnel.”


FEBRUARY 2024 | THE NETWORK


Richard Chivers


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