In the realm of mental health units, where the pursuit of safety intertwines with the complexities of design and intervention, an alarming statistic looms large: the risk of suicide can be a staggering 50 times higher than in the general population. Hanging or strangulation, a chillingly common method, claiming over 70% of inpatient lives lost to suicide, often within the confines of private spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets. It's a haunting truth that the very fixtures meant to provide privacy and security—doors, handles, hinges—become the grim focal points of these tragic events.
Despite valiant efforts to mitigate risk through door height reductions, alarm installations, and ligature-resistant hinge designs, success remains elusive, and costs soar. Yet, amidst these challenges, a remarkably simple yet bold solution often overlooked emerges: the removal of the ensuite door itself, a paradigm shift in spatial design with profound implications.
Enter Silver Thomas Hanley (STH) and BFKA, collaborators on a mission to redefine safety and aesthetics within mental health units. Our solution? A doorless ensuite design that not only eliminates the risk of ligature points but also offers a myriad of benefits:
• Complete eradication of risk, ensuring the sanctity of every individual's well-being.
• Substantial cost savings, empowering the reallocation of funds to enhance other critical areas within the unit.
• Flexibility to seamlessly integrate traditional doors or opt for the innovative doorless approach.
• Retrofittable options, providing adaptability in response to evolving needs.
• Preserved privacy, with the absence of doors maintaining discreet sanctuaries within.
• Thoughtful spatial arrangement, ensuring that views from bed remain tranquil, with bathroom facilities shielded from direct sight.
Notably, privacy remains paramount, with bedroom doors capable of being locked for personal retreat. In essence, STH and BFKA's proposal transcends mere design innovation; it embodies a holistic reimagining of mental health spaces—one where safety, dignity, and aesthetics converge in harmony.
Want to know more or have questions? Comment below and start the conversation.
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#caringbetter
These are so cool! 😍