CONTENTS
Joe Forster President
jforster@dimhn.org
Jenny Gill Chair/Secretary
jgill@dimhn.org
Clive Stone Treasurer
cstone@dimhn.org
Philip Ross Membership
pross@dimhn.org
Dr Evangelia Chrysikou Research Lead
echrysikou@dimhn.org
www.dimhn.org ‘The Network’ is aiming to take the lead
Welcome to the first issue of The Network – the place where the Design In Mental Health Network (DIMHN) continues and develops the conversation we have at meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events where people gather to improve the environments in which mental healthcare is provided. But perhaps the most important place this conversation occurs is in mental health units in every part of the country, every day, between people using, living in, visiting and working in those environments. How is their task supported by their surroundings? What could be improved? What works well that others could learn from? What have they noticed, experienced or been affected by that day? As we often point out, DIMHN is all about networking. This is not a term used loosely however.
JOURNAL OF THE DESIGN IN MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK
Joe Forster
COVER PICTURE: The £42 m, 86-bed Kingfisher Court inpatient unit, at Kingsley Green near Radlett, was completed last year for the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. The aim was ‘to make the building as non-institutional, light, airy and contemporary, as well as relaxing and therapeutic, as possible’.
Published quarterly on behalf of DIMHN by:
Step Communications Ltd Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR Tel: 01892 779999 Fax: 01892 616177
Editor: Jonathan Baillie
jonathanbaillie@stepcomms.com
Business Manager: Nick Carpenter
nickcarpenter@stepcomms.com
Publisher: Geoff King
geoffking@stepcomms.com
Publishing Director: Trevor Moon
trevormoon@stepcomms.com
Journal Administration: Katy Cockle
katycockle@stepcomms.com
ISSN 2057-4290 THE NETWORK is published by Step Communications Ltd © 2015.
The Publisher is unable to take any responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the Design in Mental Health Network. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be accurate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances. Any advice, opinion or information contained is published only on the footing that the Design in Mental Health Network, its servants or agents and all contributors to this publication shall be under no liability whatsoever in respect of its contents.
Working together with you, we create opportunities for those of us having those everyday experiences to meet and influence those of us whose role it is to procure, create and manage these environments. A systematic discussion between these often disparate parties does not happen easily. When commercial interests are faced with pragmatic decisions, the time for soul-searching debate may be limited. When seemingly incompatible demands are made by safety officials and user groups with varying ideas of an aesthetic environment, identifying a solution that satisfies all can challenge the most supportive of project teams. DIMHN is the place for developing a shared understanding and a way forward. One thing perhaps above all else qualifies DIMHN to take the lead: we have no special places allocated on our board of directors for service-user or carer representatives – they are already there. Three-quarters of the academics, designers, manufacturers, managers and clinicians who have been, or are currently on, the DIMHN board have direct experience themselves of using mental health services. As inpatients, carers, clinicians and family members, we have held that conversation in those environments, and we are not unique – many of those we meet who are involved in designing, constructing, providing and maintaining mental healthcare environments have similar experience in their families or communities. Please get involved in our various workstreams through our website, at the events we hold or attend, and in our everyday contacts. The Network is here for you – people are waiting to hear about your ideas and opinions, product developments, post-project evaluations and case studies, and we invite your contributions for the next (April 2015) issue (which need to be received by editor, Jonathan Baillie, at:
jonathanbaillie@stepcomms.com, by 9 February latest).
Joe Forster President, Design In Mental Health Network
Bringing broad-ranging experience
The Board Members of the Design in Mental Health Network (DIMHN) bring wide-ranging experience – in areas ranging from mental health nursing to healthcare planning/architecture, and from product manufacture to service-user experience of the mental healthcare system.
NEWS Promoting inclusion, rebuilding confidence
The Creative Communities Group UK has won praise from the Department of Health’s chief social worker for adults, Lyn Romeo, while a service-user says the Group has ‘helped her tremendously’ on her journey to recovery. The Network reports.
Buildings rise from natural contours
The Network’s editor reports, in an article written following a site visit last year during Kingfisher Court’s construction, on the new £42 m adult acute inpatient unit near Radlett.
Touchscreen device to ‘calm and de-stress’
Recornect’s Cowall is an interactive ‘communication wall’ designed primarily as a communication tool for, and as a means to help ‘de-stress’, patients in inpatient mental health facilities. The Network’s editor, Jonathan Baillie, reports.
A smart choice of alarm system
Darren Swindlehurst of Atus Systems considers staff alarm product selection, and discusses the key considerations when specifying such equipment for healthcare establishments.
THE NETWORK January 2015 3 24 20 15 6 12 5
Photo courtesy of P+HS Architects / Tim Soar
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