Yewdale says ‘a zero ligature risk within the washroom environment is now a reality’ following its unveiling at May’s Design in Mental Health 2015 event of the SafeDoor by YewdaleKestrel.
The company said: “The result of close collaboration with patient safety professionals, healthcare Trusts, and architects, the new SafeDoor effectively eliminates all anchor points usually associated with doors and related hardware. Two particular NHS Trusts which have seen recent self-harm and suicide attempts have responded immediately to the system’s launch by removing their existing wooden doors, and requesting that we the supply the SafeDoors for use throughout their rooms.
“By eliminating all the usual anchor points associated with ‘normal’ en suite doors, the SafeDoor has completely removed the requirement for specialist doorsets and hinges,” Yewdale explained. “Manufactured from a durable vinyl, the door weighs a mere 4 kg, is held simply by magnets, and will break away under a maximum loading of 9 kg. Although designed with a strong focus on being lightweight, it is waterproof, flame retardant, has tear-resistant properties, and incorporates a Biosafe anti-bacterial coating.”