Specification
Specification challenges in mental health examined
Jerry Smith, director of Primera Life, a UK company focused solely on the design and manufacture of anti-ligature door and window hardware, gives a personal viewpoint on some of the specific challenges in the process of mental health care specification. The company’s products are designed and produced in the UK, and used ‘in some of the most challenging healthcare environments’.
We do not need to have hung onto every word of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last November to be fully aware that there are still severe problems in the country’s finances. With our health services facing increasing levels of demand from a growing and ageing population, budgets are under constant strain and review. Add to that the higher expectations that we have of our healthcare systems, and we can see that funding is going to remain a long-term challenge.
In the midst of these financial issues, there is a clear commitment from the NHS to bring about ‘parity of esteem’ between physical and mental healthcare services. For too long, mental healthcare has been the ‘poor relation’, but public opinion, high-profile campaigns, increased awareness, and the cold, hard facts of the costs to the economy and society are beginning to turn the tide.
A LONG WAY TO GO
Even though the perception of mental health issues may be changing, there is still a long way to go in the understanding of the importance of the physical environment to successful patient outcomes. The design and construction of mental healthcare facilities present particular challenges. Some facilities are excellent. Organisations like the Design In Mental Health Network (DIMHN) are seeing their innovative ideas and approach deliver real tangible benefits. Other facilities are a long way from the ideal. Quickly adapted, or pressed into service from a totally different purpose, they contribute little to the therapeutic environment. More worryingly, they can even be dangerous for
‘In the midst of these financial issues, there is a clear commitment from the NHS to bring about ‘parity of esteem’ between physical and mental healthcare services’
28 THE NETWORK Ap r i l 2 0 1 6
those at risk of self-harm. Between the two extremes are the situations that try, but miss the mark. Sadly, some thought or foresight is often all that is needed to make significant improvements – improvements that could save money, reduce staff workloads, and improve patient safety.
LIFE-THREATENING CONSEQUENCES When there is a lack of understanding, then a simple error can have life-threatening consequences, or can leave a facility dangerous or impractical for staff and service-users. It is important to recognise that this lack of understanding could occur at any stage – from right at the outset, where a construction project is discussed, to the day-to-day operation when a facility is opened. A combination of error and a lack of knowledge is at play. Estates managers are often under extreme pressure, facing both tough spending constraints and diverse workloads. Short-term solutions are
Primera’s Twin-Tech secondary barrier override system.
often put in place, and economies made – all for good reasons – but in the longer term these decisions can result in wasted money and opportunities. Let us take a look at some examples that illustrate the issues.
FUTURE-PROOFING Imagine the situation where a Trust decides to consolidate its provision for inpatient care for dementia sufferers onto one site while one of its facilities is upgraded. Because the building being upgraded is to be used for the care of the elderly and those suffering from dementia, the locks, door and window handles are designed to be simple, adapted for those with reduced manual dexterity. At this point, however, things
General laser cutting of lock case bodies. Primera’s products are designed and produced in the UK, and used ‘in some of the most challenging healthcare environments’.
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