The growing demand for mental health services across the UK is driving an evolution in facility design. Moving away from outdated, security-focused models that can inadvertently hinder recovery and dignity, a new era is emerging – that prioritises therapeutic environments. Tim Flett, director of Hygenius, explores the key considerations and innovative approaches shaping the future of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, in mental healthcare spaces.
With referrals to mental health services continuing to increase year on year, the demand for both outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities has never been greater. The landscape of mental healthcare is undergoing a noticeable shift, moving away from traditional designs focused on security and control, while still maintaining a safety-based approach. Many existing facilities are outdated, reflecting past approaches, and failing to meet the complex needs of contemporary mental healthcare.
Increasingly, there's a recognition that these environments may not always effectively support therapeutic outcomes and individual dignity, and can sometimes inadvertently exacerbate distress. Instead, research consistently highlights that the most effective healing environments offer the following essential elements: hope, natural light, a sense of being valued, activity and quiet spaces, garden access, and areas that offer privacy.
In response to these needs, the UK is seeing both an increase in new-build mental health facilities, and significant upgrades to existing sites. This presents an opportunity to take a more innovative and forward-thinking approach to facility design, focusing on therapeutic spaces that genuinely support healing and recovery, while also allowing clinical and operational staff to feel safe at work when providing personalised care.
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