Enhancing Security and Calm at Hellingly Centre, Sussex
The Hellingly Centre, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is a medium-secure unit that provides care for adults with mental health conditions involved in the criminal justice system.
During a recent refurbishment, Sussex Partnership faced significant challenges with existing floor-sprung door closers, which either slammed shut or failed to close fully. These issues jeopardised both ward security and patient well-being.
Safehinge Primera partnered with the trust to supply concealed door closers tailored to the demanding needs of mental health environments. The result was a ward with improved safety, reduced noise, and enhanced user experience—supporting recovery without compromise.
Care provider: Hellingly Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust
Project type: Refurbishment
Mental Health Discipline: Medium secure unit for Adults with Mental Health problems who become involved with the Criminal Justice system
- Products supplied: Concealed Door Closer
The Challenge
The refurbishment revealed critical issues with the facility’s existing door mechanisms. The challenges included:
Unreliable Closing Mechanisms: Floor-sprung closers frequently fail, leading to doors slamming or not closing properly.
Security Risks: Inconsistent door closure created vulnerabilities, potentially allowing unauthorised access.
Patient Distress: Slamming doors caused unnecessary stress for service users in an environment meant to be calming and therapeutic.
Complex Refurbishment Needs: Retrofitting new solutions in a live, challenging mental health environment requires minimal disruption.
The Solution
Safehinge Primera recommended its anti-ligature concealed transom door closer (Sureclose) as part of its suite of durable door solutions designed specifically for mental health environments:
Concealed Door Closer: Sureclose
The anti-ligature door closer combines robust functionality with discreet design, making it ideal for demanding mental health environments:
The concealed design of Sureclose proved the ideal solution for Hellingly Centre, offering:
Robust Durability: Withstood Department of Health medium secure abuse tests, providing unmatched reliability in demanding settings.
Adjustable Performance: Closing speed and power rating could be tailored on-site, ensuring each door met precise operational needs.
Discreet and Anti-Ligature: Fitted within the frame head, Sureclose eliminates ligature risks while maintaining a non-institutional aesthetic.
Tailored Solutions for Specific Needs
To suit different areas of the ward, the trust implemented configurations that contributed to enhanced ward security and patient well-being:
Standard Mechanical Closers: These are used on bedroom doors to ensure controlled self-closing without slamming, supporting a quieter environment.
Electromagnetic (EMAG) Hold-Open Closers are installed on corridor doors. They allow doors to remain open during day-to-day use while maintaining fire compartments in emergencies.
Impact
The implementation of Safehinge Primera’s durable door solutions not only resolved operational challenges but also contributed to enhanced ward security, creating a safer environment for staff and service users alike.
Key Results:
Improved Security: Reliable anti-ligature concealed door closers eliminated security gaps, enhancing overall safety.
Enhanced Patient Well-Being: Quieter, controlled door closures reduced unnecessary stress and contributed to a calmer environment.
Customised Functionality: Adjustable speed and power ensured that each door operated flawlessly for its specific use.
Seamless Integration: Concealed designs ensured minimal disruption during installation and a clean, non-intrusive appearance.
