In the challenging landscape of mental health care facility design, where safety concerns intersect with the complexities of architectural design, innovative solutions are imperative. BFK & Associates and Silver Thomas Hanley (STH), have collaborated to address an aspect of mental health facility design is utilised in 53.8% of all mental health inpatient suicides.
Despite the best efforts of clinicians and designers of mental health units, the risk of suicide of mental health inpatients is up to 50 times higher than in the general population.
STH and BFK & Associates have collaborated to address this critical shortcoming, where events involving ligature points account for over 70% of all fatalities. Research reveals that more than 90% of mental health inpatient suicides occur in patient private spaces, such as the bathroom, bedroom, closet, and shower, with doors, door handles, and door hinges the most used fixture points (53.8%).
Current solutions, including restricting door heights, installing alarms on doors, and designing hinges to reduce ligature points have proven ineffective in many cases.
The collaboration between BFK & Associates and STH marks a step forward in the quest for safer and more nurturing environments for individuals facing mental health challenges. Together, we have developed an architectural design that not only addresses a crucial safety concern, but also challenges conventional spatial norms. One of the most striking features of this collaborative effort is the introduction of a doorless ensuite solution, prioritising inpatient well-being without compromising privacy.
The decision to remove ensuite doors represents a paradigm shift in spatial design, with profound implications for safety and aesthetics. By eliminating potential ligature points, a potent means of self-harm is removed. Moreover, the doorless design offers cost savings and flexibility, allowing for seamless integration into existing structures and adaptability to evolving needs.
Dean Bilton, Managing Director of BFK & Associates, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "It was a great opportunity to work with STH in developing this innovative approach to what is, a difficult design problem." This sentiment underscores the power of teamwork and collective creativity in addressing complex challenges within the mental health care sector.
Similarly, STH highlighted the importance of reimagining mental health spaces to prioritise inpatient safety and dignity.
The impact of this collaboration extends beyond the realm of architecture; it embodies a commitment to caring better for individuals in need. By sparking innovation and fostering dialogue within the industry, BFK & Associates and STH are paving the way for a brighter future in mental health care.
Join the conversation and learn more about this exciting collaboration by engaging with BFK & Associates. Together, let's continue to innovate, inspire, and transform mental health spaces for the better.
See the LinkedIn Article here: https://bit.ly/42DgUJR
Join BFK & Associates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfk-and-associates
Credit for image: Silver Thomas Hanley, Architects
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