Wallacea the mental health & dementia facilities magazine July 2025 Later living by design FURNITURE DESIGN Why it matters for mental health FALL DETECTION The new technologies improving resident safety mhdf Cover Jul 2025.indd 1 25/06/2025 14:12
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mhdf magazine 3 Wallacea Living Marylebone Contents 5 News A round-up of the latest news and events in the sector 8 Wallacea Living – supporting independence, dignity and wellbeing Helen Adkins talks to CEO Paul Morgan about integrated retirement community Wallacea Living Marylebone, and how it could be a blueprint for the future of later living 12 Preview A look at what to expect at the mental health and dementia facilities forum on 27-28 November 2025 Editor’s Note July 2025 Wallacea Living: a blueprint for how we age – and how we live Retirement housing in the UK has long suffered from a perception problem – often seen as a last resort rather than a proactive choice. But Wallacea Living Marylebone, due to open in January 2026, is challenging that narrative head-on. This high-end Integrated Retirement Community – the first of its kind from the Wallacea team – may come with seven-figure price tags, but its ambitions stretch far beyond its West End postcode. Designed to support independence, not diminish it, the scheme combines architectural flair with a deep commitment to wellbeing. Not only can residents expect luxury apartments, a private cinema, and a full-time health and wellbeing manager, but also a private GP booking portal, health MOTS and on-site CQC-registered domiciliary care. But the goal isn’t to pamper – it’s to empower. With fewer than ten developments of this kind across Greater London, and over 1.2 million over-65s living in the capital, the gap between demand and supply is stark. Wallacea’s founder and CEO Paul Morgan, who has spent nearly two decades in the later living sector, sees this as an opportunity not just to raise standards at the top end of the market – but to prove a model that could, eventually, be adapted for the middle end too. ‘We wanted to show what’s possible,’ he explains to me on page 8. ‘Then we can scale it.’ The UK has ground to make up. In Australia and New Zealand, between 15 and 19% of over-65s live in Integrated Retirement Communities. Here, that figure is less than 1%. Wallacea Living may not be a solution for everyone – at least not yet – but it’s a step towards reimagining what later life can look like – independent, engaged and rooted in the communities people already call home. Helen Adkins Editor Helen.Adkins@stable-media.co.uk the mental health & dementia facilities magazine Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. sales@healthcaredm.co.uk healthcaredm.co.uk Editor Helen Adkins Production Nicola Cann Design Gemma England Media Sales Manager Terry Stafford Managing Director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. 14 Fall detection technology As falls among care home residents pose serious health risks and rising healthcare costs, we explore how new technologies are helping to reduce incidents and improve resident safety 5 14 17 8 17 Furniture for mental healthcare Hospitals and mental health facilities need to be more than just functional – they must also deliver a sense of calm, security and wellbeing, as Tony Huggins, managing director at David Bailey Furniture, explains mhdf Leader Jul 2025.indd 3 25/06/2025 14:12
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mhdf magazine 5 NEWS Psyomics and Acumentice join forces to support NHS mental health transformation Psyomics, the health tech company, has announced a new partnership with waiting times improvement specialists Acumentice, in a move designed to help NHS trusts meet cost improvement targets manage and improve patient pathways. The collaboration brings together two complementary areas of expertise; Psyomics’ clinically-led digital front door technology, and Acumentice’s hands-on consultancy and operational support in reducing waiting lists and improving data quality within NHS trusts. As the NHS faces growing pressure to deliver more with limited resources and with no significant increase in mental health funding anticipated in the upcoming 10-year plan, digital innovation and practical support for patient pathway management will be critical to sustaining and enhancing mental health services. These priorities align with the Government’s three-pronged approach – transitioning from analogue to digital systems, shifting care from hospitals to the community and improving service integration. Operating at the more complex end of mental health, the Psyomics platform empowers healthcare professionals to gather rich, structured data directly from service users, generating highquality reports in advance of triage and assessment. To ensure this data continues to support efficient and effective care pathways, Acumentice offers support in developing robust systems and processes. These solutions maintain data quality and transform insights into meaningful actions, enabling better service management and helping to reduce waiting times. From the very beginning of the service user’s journey, the platform encourages individuals to share their story in their own words, ensuring they feel heard and understood. Mental health intake, triage and assessments are often inconsistent, time-consuming and costly to deliver at scale. The Psyomics Platform brings simplicity and consistency to these complex cases, multi-agency pathways and diverse entry points. By standardising access across mental health front doors, it streamlines pathways and engages service users from the outset. ‘We know the NHS is being asked to do more, with less,’ said Dr Melinda Rees, CEO of Psyomics. ‘This partnership is about meeting trusts where they are – whether that’s looking for a digital triage tool to manage referrals more effectively or needing broader pathway management and waiting times improvement support. Together, we can provide an adaptable solution that helps people get the right mental health care, faster.’ With decades of frontline NHS experience, Acumentice works directly with NHS organisations across the country, supporting patient flow improvement, waiting times improvement, operational delivery and service redesign, using a combination of expert consultancy and digital solutions. Their goal is to help the NHS realise its full potential through operational and data quality improvement. The partnership will not require trusts to adopt both services, but instead offers a flexible, standalone or combined solution, depending on local need. • 5, 6. News.indd 5 27/06/2025 09:11
6 mhdf magazine NEWS Three years after breaking ground, the state-of-the-art advanced dementia home Langtree has officially opened its doors. Langtree is the fifth home in the B Corp-accredited Millennium Care Group. The 52-bed facility addresses a growing demand for advanced dementia care in the region and will complete the Standish Care Village alongside Worthington Lake and Lakeside Care Homes on Chorley Road. The Village now offers a full continuum of care, including respite, residential, nursing, dementia and advanced dementia, allowing residents to remain in one community as their needs change. The outgoing Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Debbie Parkinson, joined key stakeholders at the newly completed Langtree Care Home to mark the occasion. She said: ‘It has taken three years to build, but it has been worth the wait…Langtree feels like a home; the attention to detail is brilliant. ‘I asked the founder: “Why have you done so much more?” and his response was: “Because I thought, what would I want my mother to have?” That really struck a chord with me as we put our trust in these places.’ Langtree features dementia-friendly design, access to nature and open-plan living spaces, as well as a music room, a cigar lounge and an in-house salon. It will operate under a Household Model of Care, proven to improve quality of life and outcomes for people living with dementia. • The University of Stirling has introduced a ground-breaking dementia education module – the first in the UK to teach dementiafriendly design to undergraduate students in Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Paramedic Science. Developed by the university’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) and led by Professor Lesley Palmer, the Being Dementia Smart module equips students with best practices in dementia care and environment design. It aligns with Scotland’s 2023 Dementia Strategy, which promotes empowerment and inclusive care. The final semester focuses entirely on dementia-friendly environments – offering students practical insight into how design can improve patient outcomes. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some students inspired to pursue careers in older people’s nursing. • University of Stirling launches first dementia design reaching for nursing and paramedic students Langtree opens its doors Mr Haider (Millennium Care’s founder) is joined by residents and staff from Langtree’s sister home, Worthington Lake and the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Debbie Parkinson, to officially open the home. 5, 6. News.indd 6 27/06/2025 09:11
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8 mhdf magazine INTEGRATED RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Wallacea Living: design for independent living Wallacea Living Marylebone is the first of a new breed of high-end Integrated Retirement Communities, designed to support independence and longevity through beautiful design, comprehensive amenities and a firm commitment to wellbeing. Mhdf editor Helen Adkins talked to founder and chief executive Paul Morgan Due to open its doors in January 2026, Wallacea Living Marylebone forms part of Berkeley’s West End Gate development, and will include 104 luxury apartments and a curated suite of on-site amenities – from a private cinema and spa to concierge service, a library bar and a GP booking portal. The vision extends to every detail, from bold interiors conceived by creative director Sue Timney to the appointment of a full-time health and wellbeing manager. HELEN ADKINS: Could you start by telling me how you came to be involved in the later living sector? PAUL MORGAN: I’ve been in the later living space for nearly 20 years, coming from a background in hospitality. My co-founder, Paul Coles, originally launched Riverstone Retirement Villages for Goldman Sachs. After leaving that role, we started talking about the lack of high-quality provision in London. At the time, I was with Audley Villages and was looking for a fresh challenge. There are over 1.2 million over-65s in London and only nine schemes of this kind, so the demand is vast. Initially, launching at the premium end of the market made sense. The mid-market is underserved too, but delivering that at scale and affordability is complex. We wanted to prove the model first – demonstrate how good later living can be when done properly – and then use that as a springboard for future mid-market developments. We’re already looking at mid-market options for the future. How does Wallacea Living stand apart from others in this sector? We didn’t want to copy and paste what already exists, so we’ve tried to design apartments and shared spaces that are modern, original and that have character. Sue Timney, our creative director, was president of the Chelsea Arts Club. She’s brought her contacts in, so we have artists painting original murals for the restaurant. Nothing is off-the-shelf. And beyond aesthetics, our emphasis is on health and wellbeing. We hired a health and wellbeing manager 18 months before opening, who is part of the sales process, explaining the mental and physical benefits of proactive care from the outset. We even use a balance board during tours – it breaks the ice and gets people thinking differently about ageing. We’ll also offer a private GP booking portal, health MOTS and an on-site, CQC-registered domiciliary care agency staffed entirely by our own team and available 24/7. They’re being paid above market rates, properly trained, and all will have dementia and Parkinson’s training. We’re also recruiting a dedicated trainer, All images @ Wallacea Living 8, 9, 10, 11. Wallacea Living.indd 8 25/06/2025 14:15
mhdf magazine 9 starting months before we open. The care offering is designed for longevity – this will be a home for life, with capacity to support residents through to end-of-life care if needed. Obviously, if someone becomes a danger to themselves or others, that’s different – but in my experience, that’s very rare. Have you adapted the design for residents living with dementia? Honestly – we haven’t gone as far as we’d like yet. We’ve thought about things like demarcations on floors and proper contrast between spaces. We’ve installed unobtrusive sensors in apartments for safety – like movement detection over a 24-hour period, so If someone isn’t active, a call is made. And we’re looking into more advanced systems, like the ones used by Birchgrove Retirement apartments. Our care and wellbeing director has advised throughout. While we haven’t gone as far as some dedicated dementia care homes, we’re learning and planning to build on this in future developments. How does the dining experience fit into the wellbeing model? Alongside the care team, we will offer consultations with a nutritionist – not just calorie charts, but practical guidance tailored to the needs of ageing bodies. So, whether you want to celebrate with fine dining or have an omelette and chips on a Tuesday night, the restaurant will accommodate you. It’s all about balancing choice with good advice. We don’t want to lecture people, but to give them practical advice about how what they eat affects how they feel. How will the apartments be priced and who are you aiming to attract? Prices start at £935,000 for one-beds and go up to £3.3 million for our largest penthouses. We’re targeting over-65s, most of whom live within 1.5 miles. >> ‘We didn’t want to copy and paste what already exists, so we’ve tried to design apartments and shared spaces that are modern, original and that have character’ 8, 9, 10, 11. Wallacea Living.indd 9 25/06/2025 14:15
10 mhdf magazine INTEGRATED RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES People want to remain rooted – close to their community, their GP and their social circle. Residents must be 65 or over. Across the sector, the average move-in age is 75–76. Convincing that demographic to buy off-plan is a challenge, which is why we opened our marketing suite in October 2023. Many people still assume these developments are care homes, so the first impression really matters, and people’s perception of independence can be a challenge. Many people think they’ll be giving up on life by coming into a retirement scheme like this. It can be a really long sales process, but when you talk at length to potential residents, they come to understand that, in actual fact, if they go about this sort of move in the right way, they're actually increasing their independence, partly because all those jobs and chores that come with a house and a garden will be taken care of. Then it’s up to us to make sure we've got enough events and things to stimulate them in other ways. 8, 9, 10, 11. Wallacea Living.indd 10 25/06/2025 14:15
mhdf magazine 11 DESIGNING FOR A VIBRANT LIFE Interior designer Sue Timney, celebrated for her bold aesthetics and former President of the Chelsea Arts Club, has brought a distinct energy to Wallacea Living Marylebone – one that challenges traditional notions of later life interiors. From striking murals in the restaurant to the tactile, art-led finishes in shared areas, Timney has curated a scheme that reflects the vitality, independence and individuality of potential residents. Colour palettes help with wayfinding, varied seating arrangements encourage conversation, and the lighting is adjustable and responsive to the time of day. The apartments balance sophistication with practicality, with generous natural light, intuitive layouts, and details that support mobility and comfort. Meanwhile, the communal areas are layered with texture, pattern and original artworks, many of which have been commissioned specifically for Wallacea Living. Timney says: ‘Our aim was to design something that doesn’t feel institutional – it feels expressive, it feels lived-in, and it feels like a place you’d be proud to call home,’ she says. ‘Interior design is about more than simply making spaces look pleasing; it’s the opportunity to showcase the lifestyle that people are buying into…This isn’t about scaling down. It’s about moving forward.’ Sue Timney is the creative director for Wallacea Living ‘In Australia, people don’t ask if you’ll move to a retirement community – they ask which one you’re going to. That’s where we need to get to’ The last thing we want is people believing that everything is going to be done for them – that’s the worst thing that could happen, so we want to really stimulate them with physical, mental and spiritual elements and events that are ongoing. We’re helping them stay independent by reducing the burdens of home ownership while increasing their access to community and care. What’s been the biggest hurdle in getting Wallacea Marylebone off the ground and where does the future lie? Presales has been a hurdle. Without a finished site to show, it’s been hard. But now that we have the marketing suite open, and people can walk in and see what we’re about, we are starting to build momentum. We’re aiming to have at least 20 sales before opening to create an instant community, and we’re well on track. As far as the future lies in the UK, the sector is still young. When I started in 2007, you could count the serious operators on one hand. Back then, the good models we looked at were in Australia and New Zealand, where 15–19% of over-65s live in these types of communities. In the UK, it’s under 1%. We need to normalise these sorts of communities. In Australia, people don’t ask if you’ll move to a retirement community – they ask which one you’re going to. That’s where we need to get to. • www.wallacealiving.com INTEGRATED RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES 8, 9, 10, 11. Wallacea Living.indd 11 25/06/2025 14:15
12 mhdf magazine PROJECTS This unique networking event is designed to bring together architects, contractors, M&E contractors and NHS foundation trusts, in addition to private mental healthcare providers and care homes, with innovative industry suppliers. Our 2025 theme is Designing with dignity and compassion: from concept to construction. This year, our theme will explore how design can empower, support and transform lives. Key subjects will include: • Designing for dignity: human-centred spaces that prioritise respect and autonomy • Integrating safety and therapeutic value in mental health environments • Innovations in dementia-friendly architecture • Biophilic design and the healing power of nature: creating restorative spaces • Sustainability and future-proofing healthcare environments • Community engagement and codesign strategies BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION! We are finalising our speaker line-up and would be pleased to receive a proposal from you! Send your presentation to our Delegate Relations Manager, Georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk for consideration. ATTEND MHDF AS A SUPPLIER Over one-and-half days, you’ll benefit from a tailored schedule of one-to-one meetings with your chosen mhdf project delegates made up of the architects, contractors, project managers and consultants delivering projects in the UK. What’s included: • One-to-one scheduled meetings • An all-inclusive package (accommodation and meals) • Access to all the speaker sessions Contact: Leslie.dehoog@stable-events.co.uk ATTEND MHDF AS A COMPLIMENTARY PROJECT DELEGATE Join us as a complimentary delegate and learn about the latest trends and developments in the sector. The event comprises of thought-provoking seminars, and the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers to find out about innovative products and services. In addition, we will provide one to two nights’ accommodation, including all meals and refreshments, plus a drinks receptions and a gala dinner, giving you extensive networking opportunities. Registration for the event is now open: https://tinyurl.com/449nyvt6 For more information, visit our website www.mhdf-forum.co.uk or contact Georgie Smith on 0208 288 1080 or Georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk. ● 27-28 November 2025 The Belfry Hotel & Resort Sutton Coldfield We are pleased to announce that Stable Events will be hosting our annual mental health & dementia facilities forum mental health &2025 dementia facilities forum PREVIEW 12. Preview.indd 12 27/06/2025 09:28
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14 mhdf magazine TECHNOLOGY Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in fractures, hospital admissions and a decline in overall health. Public Health England reports that more than 220,000 emergency hospital admissions each year involve people aged 65 and over. The impact stretches beyond physical harm, affecting mental wellbeing and increasing pressure on care services. To address this ongoing challenge, a growing number of care homes across the UK are turning to technology. From sensor-based systems to AI-powered monitoring, these tools are supporting staff with real-time data and helping to reduce fall-related risks. INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS IN ACTION One widely used solution is Whzan Guardian, which uses 4D mapping and strategically placed sensors to track movement and detect falls. Pilot schemes in England have reported a 66% drop in falls and a 97.5% reduction in ambulance call-outs. The technology is being further tested within the Redbridge Integrated Care System, with potential for wider national use. Arquella Sense offers a touchless, privacy-conscious system that integrates easily into care environments. It monitors residents for potential fall risks and provides early alerts to staff. Designed to maintain dignity while enabling quick responses, it also helps reduce the high costs associated with fall-related injuries. Nobi Smart Lamps, already trialled in a UK care home, have shown a striking 84% reduction in falls. These AI-powered ceiling lamps detect falls instantly and notify carers via an app within 30 seconds. The system can also analyse fall causes, contributing to long-term prevention strategies. Vayyar Care, known for its radio frequency-based 4D imaging sensors, Fall prevention Falls among care home residents pose serious health risks and can lead to long-term injuries and rising healthcare costs. We explore how new technologies are helping to reduce incidents and improve resident safety 14, 15. Fall Dectection Technology.indd 14 27/06/2025 12:09
mhdf magazine 15 TECHNOLOGY is another key player in the sector. Unlike camera-based systems, its wall- or ceiling-mounted sensors track movements without compromising privacy. They function in all conditions, including darkness and steam, offering 24/7 monitoring in bedrooms, bathrooms and communal spaces. In Essex, a rollout of Vayyar Care’s sensors in partnership with the county council led to significant results. Over 300 sensors were installed across care homes, sheltered housing and private residences, completely eliminating fall-related hospital admissions and long lies over a 12-month period. At Foxburrow Grange in Colchester, 138 sensors helped transform resident monitoring and improved response times. Vayyar’s technology also integrates with nurse call systems and platforms like Anthropos’ Connected Care. This collaboration combines passive fall detection with broader wellbeing monitoring, providing detailed insights for families and care providers. BALANCING SAFETY AND PRIVACY One common concern around these technologies is resident privacy. Continuous monitoring may raise questions, particularly with camera-based tools. Many newer systems – like those from Vayyar and Arquella – use nonvisual sensors that protect dignity while maintaining safety. Cost is another consideration. Although the initial investment can be significant, providers are beginning to see longterm financial benefits. For example, avoiding a single move-out due to a fall can protect a care home’s net operating income. Moreover, reduced hospital admissions and ambulance use translate to broader savings for the NHS and local authorities. Staff training is essential to make the most of these systems. Effective use depends not just on installation, but on how well carers understand and act on the data. Providers adopting this technology need to support ongoing education to build confidence and ensure prompt, appropriate responses. A SAFER FUTURE FOR ELDERLY CARE Advanced fall prevention technologies are helping to shift care homes from reactive to proactive care. By detecting risk factors early and delivering insights into residents’ daily patterns, these systems enable tailored support that reduces incidents and improves overall wellbeing. The widespread adoption of these tools marks a turning point in dementia and elderly care. While no single solution can eliminate the risk of falls entirely, technology is playing a crucial role in reducing harm, supporting staff and maintaining dignity for some of society’s most vulnerable people. • www.vayyar.com www.nobi.life www.whzan.uk www.arquella.co.uk ‘Advanced fall prevention technologies are helping to shift care homes from reactive to proactive care’ 14, 15. Fall Dectection Technology.indd 15 27/06/2025 12:09
020 8288 1080 www.mhdf-forum.co.uk meet. connect. do business. A leading business event for the mental health and dementia facilities industry The mental health & dementia facilities forum has been specifically developed to meet the needs of those delivering mental health & dementia facilities, including the UK’s leading architects, contractors, M&E contractors, NHS foundation Trusts, Private mental healthcare providers and care homes. 27 - 28 November 2025 The Belfry Hotel & Resort Warwickshire mental health & dementia facilities forum Secure your space today Attend as a complimentary buyer georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk Attend as a supplier leslie.dehoog@stable-events.co.uk mhdf ad 2025.indd 1 24/06/2025 15:54 MHDF Adverts Jun 25.indd 16 24/06/2025 16:06
mhdf magazine 17 FURNITURE DESIGN How can robust fitted furniture be used to transform hospital wards, treatment rooms and waiting areas into supportive and tranquil spaces? There is a simple answer, and research shows that when fitted furniture is thoughtfully arranged, it helps to create designated areas for relaxation, patient care and socialisation. This is the power of good design, helping to shape a healing environment. Even better, fitted furniture offers several advantages over traditional loose furniture. Hospitals and healthcare centres often cater to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety and physical discomfort. Fitted furniture, with its defined spaces and built-in storage, creates a sense of order and predictability. Shelving and cabinets eliminate clutter, providing dedicated spaces for medical equipment, patient belongings and calming visual stimulation. This can significantly reduce feelings of stress and disorganisation. Safety is also a paramount concern in any healthcare facility. Because of this, fitted furniture can be designed to minimise sharp corners and edges, reducing potential hazards. Additionally, built-in features such as secure drawers and cabinets can prevent access to sensitive medical supplies and hazardous materials. Furthermore, the inherent sturdiness of fitted furniture contributes to a sense of security and stability in the space. For patients with specific needs, fitted furniture designs can be further adapted to include grab bars, lowered workstations or height-adjustable surfaces. For many practical reasons, hospitals and healthcare centres often face space constraints, which is why effective fitted furniture design allows for efficient space utilisation. Walls and corners can be transformed into functional storage areas, maximising available floor space. This creates a sense of spaciousness, which can be crucial for fostering a sense of calm and freedom of movement in often-busy environments. ENHANCING PATIENT EXPERIENCE While consistency is important in a healthcare facility, there is also room to allow for individual comfort and expression. Fitted furniture can be designed with bespoke features such as pinboards or display areas, which allows patients to personalise their space with photographs, artwork or uplifting messages. Hospital rooms can also incorporate fitted storage solutions to keep personal belongings organised, and built-in seating to provide a comfortable space for visitors. In waiting areas, thoughtfully designed fitted furniture can also offer seating arrangements that maintain privacy while encouraging a calming atmosphere. Reception areas are equally as important and serve as the first point of contact for patients, visitors and staff, making their design crucial in establishing a >> Why fitted furniture matters Hospitals and mental health facilities need to be more than just functional – they must also deliver a sense of calm, security and wellbeing. Exceptional fitted furniture design emerges as a powerful tool in creating such supportive environments, as Tony Huggins, managing director at David Bailey Furniture, explains for mental health ‘Because hospitals and healthcare centres cater to a diverse population with varying medical needs, fitted furniture can be designed to address specific requirements’ 17, 18. David Bailey Furniture.indd 17 25/06/2025 14:16
18 mhdf magazine FURNITURE DESIGN welcoming and efficient atmosphere. Fitted furniture in reception areas ensures that the space remains organised and professional, with custom-built desks and counters providing ample workspace for administrative staff. Integrated storage solutions help maintain a clutter-free environment, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Thoughtfully designed seating arrangements can offer comfortable waiting areas, ensuring that patients and visitors feel at ease while they await appointments or assistance. Incorporating durable and easy-to-clean materials within reception area furniture is also essential in maintaining high hygiene standards in healthcare settings. Smooth surfaces and antimicrobial finishes contribute to infection control, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Well-designed reception spaces not only improve workflow efficiency, but also play a key role in fostering a reassuring and supportive environment for all who enter a healthcare facility. In addition, colours have a profound impact on mood and wellbeing, which is why companies like David Bailey Furniture incorporate calming colour palettes into their ranges. Soft tones like blues, greens and lavenders promote a sense of tranquillity, while brighter colours can be strategically used to create designated areas for specific activities. DESIGNING FOR SPECIALISED HEALTHCARE NEEDS Because hospitals and healthcare centres cater to a diverse population with varying medical needs, fitted furniture can be designed to address specific requirements. It is possible, for example, to create vibrant and engaging paediatric wards using colour and child-friendly design, while maintaining a safe and sterile environment. Built-in charging stations for medical devices, designated relaxation zones and comfortable areas for staff breaks can also be incorporated. For geriatric care wards, there is a greater emphasis on accessibility and functionality. Fitted furniture can be designed with features like lower work surfaces, easy-to-reach storage and ergonomic designs that prioritise patient mobility and support. Grab bars, non-slip surfaces and height-adjustable fittings can further enhance patient safety and independence. In emergency departments and intensive care units, efficiency is key. Fitted furniture solutions can help streamline medical processes by incorporating dedicated storage for essential equipment, ensuring quick and easy access for healthcare professionals. The integration of fitted workstations within patient areas can also facilitate seamless communication between medical teams. So, we can see that fitted furniture design presents a powerful tool for transforming hospitals and healthcare centres into supportive, structured and efficient spaces. By prioritising order, safety, space utilisation and opportunities for social interaction and comfort, these thoughtfully designed environments can significantly contribute to patient recovery and overall wellbeing. • www.davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk KIMMERIDGE COURT ST ANN’S HOSPITAL, DORSET David Bailey Furniture collaborated with Medical Architecture and Kier to supply bespoke specialist fitted furniture for Kimmeridge Court. Part of St Ann’s Hospital in Poole, Dorset, this innovative unit was designed to provide a therapeutic retreat for individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders. The company played a crucial role in the development of Kimmeridge Court, supplying a wide range of specialised fitted furniture systems. The company provided shelving, wall-mounted units for TVs and other bespoke units for 10 bedrooms and ensuites. These fitted units incorporated polycarbonate mirrors, magnetic hooks, hygiene-friendly sloping tops and secure fixings to prevent the removal of components that might cause injury. Additionally, disabled-friendly units and worktops were supplied for the kitchens, offices and other areas of the building, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility. 17, 18. David Bailey Furniture.indd 18 25/06/2025 14:16
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