This brand new PICU (psychiatric intensive care unit) in the North of England is designed to support patients with complex care needs in a therapeutic environment.
Bridge installed anti-ligature curtains and voiles in the communal area
Working with the interior designer at this national provider of mental health inpatient services, we were instructed to provide curtains and blinds that would contribute to the homely, healing environment of this inpatient ward, while ensuring that there would be no compromise on the safety of service users or staff.
Across the whole 12 bed inpatient unit, we installed bright, uplifting curtains and blinds in bedrooms, communal areas and the tribunal room. All window dressings were made to measure using inherently fire retardant fabrics for full compliance with BS 5867 legislation and CQC standards. Every curtain and blind is carefully made following anti-ligature design principles with fully stitched in seams and mounted using a combination of magnetic and load-release anti-ligature fittings.
Anti-ligature curtains are installed across the site
We also installed SOFTDOORs® from Balco Global for ensuite bedrooms. These innovative doors offer privacy and dignity for patients, while enabling partial observations from staff. They represent minimal weapons and ligature risk, are Crib 7 fire retardant to BS 5852 and will detach under loads of 6-10kg. The print on each door was chosen to complement the overall design scheme, creating a cohesive look throughout the unit.
Balco SOFTDOOR installed at mental health inpatient unit
Bridge’s installation team completed the full fit out of the site in the prescheduled two days, working swiftly and carefully.
Claire Royle, Interior Designer, said: “Working with Bridge has been a pleasure, with excellent communication and delivery throughout.”
Brendan Pocock, Managing Director at Bridge Contract Interiors explained: “All our made to measure curtains and blinds use fire retardant fabrics, and we are able to provide anti-ligature solutions for challenging healthcare environments. Helping to brighten up a therapeutic environment is a very small way that we can help to make a difference to people at a vulnerable point of their lives.”
At Bridge, we have extensive experience in providing and installing anti-ligature, fire retardant curtains and blinds for challenging environments, including specialist healthcare sites. If you need help with a refurbishment project, get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team for advice and guidance.
