Redefining Safety and Homeliness at Sheffield Children’s Hospital
Sheffield Children’s Hospital embarked on a transformation that combined refurbishment and new construction as part of a major modernisation effort. With a vision to create a welcoming and homely environment, the Trust collaborated with architects at Avanti and prioritised child safety and aesthetic harmony.
Safehinge Primera’s integral finger guards (Alumax) were chosen to help achieve this balance. These innovative solutions reduce finger-trapping risks while blending seamlessly into bright, family-friendly spaces.
Care provider: Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Project type: Major refurbishment / New build
Partner: Avanti Architects
Products supplied:
The Challenge
The hospital’s modernisation required solutions that met several challenges:
- Reducing Finger-Trapping Risks: The Trust needed to prevent common injuries associated with door operation, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Blending with Aesthetic Goals: Integral design elements had to align with the hospital’s non-institutional, child-centric aesthetic.
- Ensuring Longevity and Cost-Efficiency: High-traffic environments demanded durable safety solutions to avoid frequent replacements.
- Meeting Diverse Design Needs: The architects sought customisable solutions to create a non-institutional environment with vibrant interiors.
The Solution
We supplied Integral Finger guards (Alumax), offering a practical and discreet solution tailored to Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s unique requirements. Designed for safety and longevity, the Alumax integral finger guards provide:
- Seamless Integration: These finger guards, with a sleek, discreet design, were powder-coated in vibrant RAL colours to match the hospital’s child-friendly decor.
- Enhanced Safety: By removing the gap between the door and frame, the design eliminates the risk of trapped fingers, protecting children and staff.
- Unmatched Durability: Engineered to last the door’s lifetime, Alumax finger guards reduce replacement costs by up to £1,000 over 25 years compared to plastic alternatives.
Impact
The integration of Alumax finger guards contributed significantly to the success of the hospital’s modernisation efforts.
- Improved Safety and Practicality: Alumax finger guards balance child safety with easy day-to-day operation.
- Customised Design for Vibrant Interiors: Powder-coated finishes enhanced the hospital’s welcoming, non-institutional atmosphere.
- Long-Term Savings with Durable Safety Solutions: Reduced maintenance needs saved the Trust valuable resources.
Recognition for Design Excellence: The hospital’s innovative and uplifting spaces have won multiple awards, including a Design Week award for Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics.
Let’s Create Safer Spaces Together
Safehinge Primera’s integral finger guards are designed to transform safety in child-centric spaces without compromising on design. Explore how our solutions can support your next project.