Creating an Anti-Ligature Space
Anti-Ligature Design for Safer Mental Health Environments
In mental health facilities, safety and dignity go hand in hand. For individuals experiencing severe distress, the risk of self-harm can be high, and facilities have a responsibility to reduce these risks wherever possible. Anti-ligature products are a vital part of that commitment, helping to prevent opportunities for ligature-related incidents while maintaining a therapeutic, recovery-focused environment.
What Does ‘Anti-Ligature’ Mean in Mental Health Care?
Anti-ligature products are designed to reduce the risk of someone using an object to harm themselves. This often means removing or modifying potential ligature points where a cord, rope, or other material could be secured. In mental health settings, this is especially important in bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas where patients may spend time unsupervised.
From Anti-Ligature Door Sets to Bathroom Fixtures
Our anti-ligature solutions, including our award-winning doorsets, are designed to protect patients without creating an institutional feel. For example:
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Anti-ligature door hardware removes the risk of tying a ligature around a handle, while remaining comfortable and easy to use.
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Anti-ligature shower rails and curtain tracks minimise bathroom risks while supporting privacy and independence.
These products are discreet, functional, and integrated into the overall design, supporting both safety and therapeutic intent.
Safety That Supports Recovery
By integrating anti-ligature products into both new-builds and refurbishments, mental health facilities can create environments where safety is embedded in the design—not retrofitted as an afterthought. This proactive approach supports staff in delivering care with confidence, knowing the space itself is helping to protect those at risk.
These solutions don’t just save lives; they create the stability patients need to focus on recovery. In a safe environment, service users have the space and time to heal, while staff can focus on meaningful therapeutic engagement instead of constant crisis prevention.
Part of a Comprehensive Safety Strategy
Anti-ligature design is just one part of a wider patient safety strategy. Alongside skilled staff, compassionate care, and evidence-based design, these products contribute to creating environments where safety, dignity, and hope are built in from day one.
of inpatient suicides happen in a bedroom or bathroom
of UK inpatient suicides occurred on the ward
of ligatures occurred on a door or door hardware
What Does Safety Mean in Mental Health Inpatient Spaces?
In mental health inpatient settings, safety isn’t just about preventing harm—it’s about creating an environment where patients feel secure, respected, and supported in their recovery. Striking the right balance between physical safety and psychological safety is crucial, especially for individuals navigating a vulnerable period in their lives.
Physical Safety: The Foundation of Safe Care
When designing a new mental health facility or renovating an existing ward, physical safety must be a top priority. This includes integrating anti-ligature products to remove potential ligature points and carefully assessing other risks, such as the ingestion of harmful substances or the misuse of objects as weapons.
To ensure the highest safety standards, product testing and independent certification are essential. Alongside robust in-house testing, we recommend looking for accreditations from trusted organisations such as:
- BRE (Building Research Establishment)
- OMH-NY (New York State Office of Mental Health)
- Door & Hardware Federation
These independent approvals offer reassurance that safety measures have been rigorously assessed and proven effective.
Psychological Safety: Designing for Dignity and Recovery
Historically, physical safety took precedence over psychological safety, leading to spaces that felt institutional—filled with cold materials and visible metal fixtures. Today, there is growing recognition that psychological safety is just as vital.
A psychologically safe environment prioritises privacy, dignity, and comfort, helping patients feel calm and respected while still being protected. This can be achieved through:
- Independent patient access to certain spaces
- Warm, welcoming finishes that avoid an institutional look
- Incorporation of therapeutic artwork and nature-inspired design
At Safehinge Primera, every product is designed with these principles in mind. By blending safety features with a therapeutic aesthetic, we help facilities support recovery as well as protection.
Read our latest blog about Mental Health design, choice and agency to explore the subject further.
The Role of Art in Mental Health Recovery
We are proud to partner with UK mental health charity Hospital Rooms, whose mission is to transform inpatient environments through art. Many of our bathroom en-suite doors feature original works from outstanding artists, bringing creativity, hope, and healing into spaces that were once cold and clinical.
These design choices help shift the focus from containment to care, fostering environments where patients can feel inspired and supported as they work towards recovery.
Every time an en-suite door with Hospital Rooms’ artwork is sold, a portion of the proceeds go towards supporting the charitable efforts of Hospital Rooms to create therapeutic Mental Health spaces through the incorporation of art.
Watch the Safehinge Primera & Hospital Rooms webinar and discover the healing power of art.
