Project Template
Project Template
Anti-barricade and anti ligature doors installed at The Junipers PICU, Wonford House
The Junipers is the first of its kind in the south west of England; offering inpatient support that’s closer to home for people with complex mental health needs. The design of the purpose-built unit included input from experts by lived experience and is truly a facility designed with people in mind.
Care Provider
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Project Type
New Build
Area
Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Facility
Products Installed
Introduction
In 2021, the Scottish Prison Service published its new strategy for its approach to women held in its facilities. This strategy stated that all aspects of the care of women in custody should be designed for, and take account of, their likely experience of trauma and adversities.
As part of the implementation of this strategy, SPS looked to take a trauma-informed approach when designing its new facility in Stirling, which opened in 2023.
As part of this need, a requirement for a different approach to bedroom doors used in the facility was identified.
Define The Problem
The SPS strategy for women in custody, emphasising a trauma-informed approach to better serve rehabilitation needs, highlighted the need to replace the standard Steel Doors used in HMP facilities in Scotland and in particular the new facility located in Stirling.
Steel Doors were identified as being ‘institutional’, ‘cold’ and generally not reflective of the new approach that was being taken. Rather than feel like they were being supported, residents felt that these doors contributed negatively to their rehabilitation, alongside other areas such as bars on the windows and a lack of bright open spaces.
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Client Goals and Expectation
Holmes Miller Architects & SPS aimed to create a secure and trauma-informed designed environment for women, while also mitigating the risks associated with physical and tool-based attacks. The project demanded not only best in class security but also a solution aligned with the principles of the SPS strategy for women in custody.
Our Solutions Process
Safehinge Primera worked hand in hand with SPS and Holmes Miller architects to develop, define and test a custodial bedroom door specification which incorporated the Safehinge Alumax hinge system and a quick-release anti-barricade device. A wooden door design was arrived at, which contributed to the rehabilitation focused environment that SPS were looking to create. The door design reduces ligature risks & provides effective solutions to counter barricade attempts. The doorset underwent timed attack tests, simulating a range of senarios, ensuring it met the stringent criteria set by the SPS Team.
Results
The co-designed custodial doors met or exceeded the requirements outlined. Of particular note was that the custodial doorset enhanced overall safety within the bedrooms for staff and residents. Whats more, by following a exhaustive co-design process, Safehinge Primera, Holmes Miller and SPS were able to arrive at designs that moved away from the cold institutional steel door designs that worked against the principles outlined in the SPS’s strategy to create a product that contributed to the rehabilitation orientated design that would support better outcomes.
VP of Behavioural Health NHS Penn Highlands Healthcare
""A reliable, ligature-resistant solution was the key for us. The overall design of the bathroom door is impressive, from colour choices to build. The research behind the solution and the fact that it had been very well thought through, rigorously tested, and proven to work on other sites made it stand out for us.""
Let’s Build Safer Spaces Together
If you’re looking to create a safer and more stylish environment in your spaces, contact us today to learn more about our solutions.