FURNITURE


Left: Creating a safe and therapeutic environment is paramount in the treatment of eating disorders. Right: Architect, Medical Architecture, says Kimmeridge Court ‘balances the need for staff observation and upholding patients’ privacy and dignity by offering enhanced and improved facilities, including inpatient bedrooms, clinical and therapy spaces, and thoughtfully designed living areas’.


The transparent day spaces provide


unhindered views of the accessible landscaped garden and the surrounding woodland, maximising the therapeutic benefits. The first floor houses staff and therapy rooms, while a large multi- functional activity space offers breath- taking views of the tree canopy, creating a sense of connection with nature.


Re-establishing a positive relationship with food In close collaboration with clinical staff, Kimmeridge Court’s facilities have been purposefully designed to enable patients to re-establish a positive relationship with food and exercise. An inviting and home-like Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen area mirrors everyday life, allowing patients to practice meal preparation and cooking, instilling confidence in their ability to provide for themselves. Group therapy spaces are conveniently accessible from the dining area, facilitating workshops where patients openly share and explore their feelings about eating. David Bailey Furniture has been supplying systems to the NHS for more than 40 years, and works closely with NHS Trusts to ensure that specialist fitted furniture meets modern medical needs – particularly those concerned with mental health. Recognising the importance of


prevention, the NHS has prioritised early Tony Huggins and DBFS


Tony Huggins is managing director of David Bailey Furniture Systems, reportedly the country’s fastest growing manufacturer of specialist fitted furniture products for the healthcare sector, schools, and medical and veterinary centres. He joined Broadstairs, Kent-based David Bailey Furniture in September 2021 as Operations manager, and now – as MD – is charged with delivering plans to streamline the business still further, following a major investment programme which has seen the company significantly expand its production capacity.


David Bailey Furniture has been established for over 40 years, and employs 38 staff. Its Healthcare range of fitted furniture features within some of the country’s largest and most prestigious NHS and private hospitals. It is also regularly specified for other healthcare furniture projects – from health centres and nursing homes to doctors’ surgeries and dental practices.


44 NOVEMBER 2024 | THE NETWORK


identification and intervention. Through extensive research, it has established evidence-based programmes aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and preventing the onset of mental illnesses. For instance, initiatives such as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) focus on providing timely interventions for individuals with common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This programme ensures that individuals receive support at an early stage, reducing the risk of escalating symptoms, and improving long-term outcomes. The NHS has also taken steps to


enhance accessibility and provide support closer to people’s homes, such as the project at Kimmeridge Court. This approach reduces barriers to seeking help, and fosters a sense of inclusivity. Moreover, the NHS has integrated mental health services with primary care, enabling a collaborative approach between mental health professionals and general practitioners. This has resulted in substantial


investments in mental health services to meet growing demand. Recognising the need for expanded resources, the NHS Long Term Plan committed to increasing funding for mental health services by £2.3 bn per year by 2023/24. This additional funding aims to improve access to a range of mental health treatments, including talking therapies, crisis services, and


specialised interventions for children and young people.


Understanding the importance of collaboration The NHS understands the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing mental health issues. It has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including charities, community organisations, and local authorities, to ensure a coordinated response. By working together, these partnerships facilitate the development and implementation of innovative interventions and support networks. Such collaborative efforts have enhanced the overall effectiveness of mental health services to enable a holistic approach to care. Longer term, through targeted campaigns and educational initiatives, the NHS aims to increase public understanding of mental health issues and encourage open discussions. By challenging misconceptions and providing accurate information, the NHS fosters a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. This is all about changing lives, and


we at David Bailey Furniture like to think that we are doing our bit to support this initiative – so we can see that even fitted furniture has its place when it comes to better mental health.


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