Introducing the one key approach
We’ve partnered with Darwin Group, Tough Furniture and Polar NE to co-develop a one-key approach that utilises the tried and tested anti-tamper key from Safehinge Primera.
Philip Ross, CEO & Co-founder of Safehinge Primera, shared: “We believe in the power of small changes to make a big difference to frontline staff. Through collaboration, this anti-tamper one-key approach saves clinicians time during emergencies, helping keep patients safe. It also alleviates the stress of staff managing multiple keys from different manufacturers, allowing them to focus on providing care to patients in need.
“Our ultimate focus is to listen to all stakeholders and make their job a little easier.”
You spoke, and we listened.
As staff shortages continue to rise and the NHS struggle with staff retention. Now, more than ever, clinical staff need simple solutions that support them to do their job effectively and efficiently. Together with our partners, we listened to feedback from clinical professionals to understand how, through design, we can help save time and improve the quality of support in an inpatient unit.
Conversations highlighted the challenge of nurses carrying multiple keys in a mental health space as both a risk and an ineffective way of working. For instance, nurses juggling too many keys can be time-consuming, as trying to locate a particular key in an emergency can lead to potential delays in attending to a patient in distress. Furthermore, carrying and safeguarding numerous keys can add to nurses' mental and emotional burdens. The fear of misplacing keys or unauthorised access can heighten stress levels, impacting their overall well-being and focus on patient care.
A Lightbulb moment
This was a lightbulb moment for us as we had already developed the Lifeline Key, which allows a single key to operate a range of products within a bedroom, whether it be our Vision Panel, Anti-Barricade Doorstop or Electronic Lockset. Therefore, we thought, why don’t we take inspiration from this product and work with our other partners to create a key that unlocks multiple items of hardware and furniture in a patient’s bedroom? This is where the co-creation of the one-key approach began.
Dan Vesty, Managing Director of Tough Furniture Ltd, said: "After many years of designing and manufacturing furniture specifically for mental health environments, the sight of clinical and estates staff wielding large, complex bunches of keys has become a very familiar one to us. So the idea of a single key for doors, windows and furniture made immediate intuitive sense – as did the opportunity to collaborate with two market-leading companies that we have a huge respect for.
"As most visitors to our collaboration stand at the Design in Mental Health Exhibition in June seem to agree, the result was extremely positive – and has given us real insight into the benefits of collaboration across the sector."
It’s not just a tamper-proof key
This one key approach has been carefully designed to provide safe and reliable access for nurses, even if the patient has attempted to block access to the keyway. Unlike square drive keys, this key cannot be operated using commonly available items in a room, such as household tools or improvised items.
Additionally, this unconventional design adds an extra layer of security, as patients are unable to replicate the key with generic key-cutting machines used for standard keys. This revolutionary Lifeline Key not only streamlines access control but also addresses mental health nurses' challenges, allowing them to focus on providing compassionate care to their patients.
"The feedback for the lifeline key as a one-key solution was very positive. Clients do certainly feel that moving away from multiple key systems for the ranges of products within mental health settings has a positive effect on mindsets, both service users and staff, by reducing the sense of confinement created by the sounds that bunches of keys produce.
"The lifeline key fitted to our product range received great feedback from our clients on the show stand, and the modular bedroom collaboration with the 'one key fits all' solution is a definite benefit to staff as a more user-friendly route to ensure that secure control methods are still available for the product range with a simpler logistical risk control plan regarding security."
- Nick Sutton, Sales Manager, Polar NE
It’s important to note that this tamper-resistant Key was recognised in June at the Design in Mental Health Awards 2023. The Design in Mental Health Network recognised the initiative for its innovative approach to collaboration between three partners, working together to do their part to help improve hospital operations. This acknowledgement emphasises our collective effort to protect and support those going through vulnerable times.
The one-key approach developed through collaboration with Darwin Group, Tough Furniture, and Polar NE marks a significant milestone in mental health innovations. The Lifeline Key, a tried and tested anti-tamper solution, exemplifies our belief in the power of small changes to make a big difference.
We understand clinical staff's challenges, especially in light of staff shortages and retention issues. By listening to mental health professionals' feedback and recognising the burden of carrying multiple keys, we embarked on a journey to transform mental health care and hospital procedure through innovative solutions.
As we continue to prioritise safety and support for clinical staff, we believe that fostering collaboration is the key to success in driving positive changes in mental health care. By working together, we can create an environment where staff can effectively support patients, making mental health facilities safer and more compassionate for all.
A huge thank you to all our partners!
