the mental health & dementia facilities magazine April 2026 SUPPORTING THE CAREGIVERS Thoughtful design for hospital teams CAMHS care reimagined at The Sett Breathing new life into old spaces SUSTAINABLE FLOORING The case for restoration in care settings
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mhdf magazine 3 The art room in The Sett, Berrywood Hospital Contents 5 News A round-up of the latest news and events in the sector. 8 The Sett, Berrywood Hospital Kai Xin Tan, associate architect at Fleet Architects, describes the transformation of an underused area at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton into a purposedesigned CAMHS unit. 12 Designing for staff Devika Parmar, director of Architecture at multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, explores how thoughtful building design, from rest areas to biophilic elements, can help support healthcare Editor’s note April 2026 Designing for care, not control Demand for children and young people’s mental health services continues to rise, placing sustained pressure on an NHS estate that is often outdated and poorly suited to contemporary care models. The challenge is no longer simply one of capacity, but of quality, and how to create environments that actively support recovery. The refurbishment of the CAMHS unit at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton provides a clear example of what can be achieved within these constraints. Rather than relying on new-build solutions, the project adapts an existing ward, using targeted interventions to improve layout, access to daylight and overall usability. The result is a setting that feels more appropriate for its users, supporting both social interaction and the need for privacy. This approach is particularly relevant as the NHS works towards its 2040 net zero carbon target. Retrofit offers a more sustainable and often more deliverable alternative to redevelopment, but it demands a different mindset – one that prioritises careful planning and incremental change over large-scale transformation. What stands out at Berrywood is the emphasis on user experience. Mental health environments have traditionally prioritised observation and control, sometimes at the expense of comfort and dignity. Here, relatively modest design – opening up circulation, creating clearer connections between spaces, and introducing a dedicated education and activity area – helps to establish a more balanced, less institutional environment. The project’s recognition at the 2025 Building Better Healthcare Awards, where it received two Gold awards and a Silver, underlines a broader shift in expectations. Healthcare buildings are increasingly judged not only on efficiency, but on how well they support wellbeing and recovery. 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 Head of Sales Julian Walter 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. teams while maintaining high standards of patient care. 16 Restore rather than replace Restoring resilient flooring offers mental health and dementia care facilities a safer, more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to full replacement, while minimising disruption and supporting therapeutic environments. Simon Testa, managing director of Stainbusters Cleaning and Hygiene, explains. 18 Furniture A look at the new generation of products in mental health furniture. 8 18 12 16
Furniture Designed for the Reality of Mental Health Environments Durable. Therapeutic. Furniture in mental health settings must balance safety, durability, and dignity. At Tough Furniture, every product is designed specifically for challenging healthcare environments - helping reduce risk while creating spaces that support recovery. From ligature-reduction detailing to long-life construction, our furniture is built to perform where it matters most. Explore the range toughfurniture.com New Auto Drop ensures effortless privacy- find out more at www.intastop.com DESIGNED FOR MENTAL HEALTH NEW! Auto Drop Option now available Automatically closes when not in use • Fire Tested to BS476: Part 20 & 22 for 30 & 60 minutes • Provides up to 84% visibility • Cycle tested to greater than 2,000,000 cycles • Tested to the Medium Secure Abuse Standard SECURA Privacy Vision Panel Protecting Privacy, Supporting Care
mhdf magazine 5 NEWS B&M Care Group has acquired a development site in Woking, Surrey, with planning consent for a 74-bedroom care home, in a deal brokered by Christie & Co. The site, located in the suburb of Knaphill, received planning approval in February 2026 and is set to deliver a purpose-built care home featuring 74 en-suite bedrooms alongside a range of communal facilities. These will include a café, cinema, hair salon, multiple lounges, a gym, balcony access and landscaped gardens. The acquisition was completed following a sales process led by Sara Hartill, director and head of healthcare development and investment at Christie & Co. The site was sold for an undisclosed price. B&M Care provides residential, respite and specialist dementia care for older people across the Home Counties and currently operates 28 care homes. Lee Wood, chief executive of B&M Care, said the group was pleased to secure the site and looked forward to developing a new state-of-the-art care home that would deliver an essential service to the local community. • B&M Care Group acquires consented care home development site Charterpoint Group achieves planning approval/land sale completion Specialist senior living developer Charterpoint has completed the sale of its site at Markfield in Leicestershire to Crown Care Group to build a 72-bed care home. The Charterpoint team secured planning permission for the 2.7 acre site from both Charnwood Borough and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Councils, due to its location on Leicester Road crossing both boundaries. The site has now been purchased by Crown Care Group who will build out and operate the home. Once built, the modern care home will feature en-suite bedrooms, and residents’ lounges and dining areas, plus a café/bar and extensive activity areas. Externally there will be terraces, patios and landscaped gardens, along with staff and visitor car parking. Charterpoint Senior Living, a division of Charterpoint Group, specialises in delivering purpose-built senior living accommodation in collaboration with not- for-profit providers and leading private sector operators from site acquisition through to planning, development and construction. Markfield is the latest of several schemes being developed by Crown Care Group, a family-run operator with 23 care homes providing residential, nursing and dementia care across the Midlands and the North. This development, expected to generate 35 jobs, will create a high-quality care home for older people from the neighbouring community, in a residential area within easy reach of Markfield high street and amenities. •
6 mhdf magazine NEWS Puma boosts UK care home development Puma Property Finance has announced it provided more than £150 million in care home loans during 2025, supporting the delivery of around 800 new care beds across the UK. The funding forms part of a wider pipeline that is currently enabling the development of more than 1,200 beds nationwide. Puma has partnered with a range of established developers and operators, including LNT Care Developments, Care Concern Group and Cinnamon Care Collection, among others. Since launching its care lending activity, Puma has now provided over £500 million in funding, supporting the delivery of 49 care homes and more than 3,500 beds across the UK. The lender has also expanded its funding capability through a partnership with Madison International Realty, which underpins the Puma Real Estate Secured Credit Fund (PRESC). The fund achieved its first close in December and has already deployed a £150 million seed loan book, alongside securing a £100 million backleverage facility from Goldman Sachs. This platform allows Puma to offer senior development and stabilisation loans ranging from £20 million to £100 million across the living sector, including a significant focus on care, where demand for modern, purpose-built accommodation remains high. Puma’s Impact Lending Framework (ILF), launched in 2024, is also gaining traction within the care sector. The framework links financial incentives to environmental and social performance, offering developers fee reductions of up to 1% on loan repayment. To date, more than £150 million of care-sector loans across 14 developments have been delivered under the ILF, with the first projects expected to achieve full certification this year. • Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA) Ltd has completed the refurbishment of the Phoenix High Dependency Rehabilitation Unit (HDRU) for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), with the facility now operational and welcoming its first patients. The HDRU is a specialised mental health inpatient service providing intensive rehabilitation for individuals with complex, severe or enduring mental health needs. The refurbishment has created what project partners describe as a safe, therapeutic and recovery-focused environment designed to support patients during extended stays and encourage long-term wellbeing. ACA delivered architectural, interior design and CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer services for the £1.5 million scheme, which was completed in just seven months to meet urgent service requirements. Working within a live mental health environment required careful coordination and a sensitive design approach. The refurbishment balances therapeutic design principles with robust anti-ligature, safety and durability requirements to support both clinical care and patient recovery. • Refurbishment of Phoenix high dependency rehabilitation unit completed
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8 mhdf magazine PROJECT The Sett, Berrywood Hospital Fleet Architects’ work at Berrywood Hospital reflects this approach. Rather than redeveloping the site, the project reuses and reconfigures an existing ward to deliver a new 10-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) unit, known as The Sett. Berrywood’s low-rise, campus-style layout, with linked buildings arranged around courtyards, creates a setting that is more appropriate for mental health care than traditional institutional models. This context supported a design approach focused on improvement rather than replacement. The impact of the project has been recognised at a national level. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Fleet Architects received two Gold Awards at the 2025 Building Better Healthcare Awards, for Best Interior Design and Best Mental Health and Dementia Care. The scheme also received a Silver Award for Best Healthcare Development (under £25 million). DELIVERY WITHIN A LIVE HOSPITAL The Sett forms part of a wider programme of works delivered for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT). This long-standing collaboration has focused on upgrading facilities across the estate to meet evolving clinical needs. Construction was carried out in phases within a live hospital environment. Beds were relocated and wards reconfigured in sequence, allowing services to continue with minimal disruption. Working within a Much of the NHS estate requires adaptation rather than replacement. Budget limitations, operational pressures and sustainability targets mean that refurbishment is often the most viable route. With the NHS committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2040, retrofit offers a practical way to upgrade performance while reducing embodied carbon. Kai Xin Tan, associate architect at Fleet Architects, describes the transformation of an underused area at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton into a purpose-designed CAMHS unit, with an open, flexible environment that supports both interaction and privacy for young people with complex mental health needs The art room, with fitted furniture and integrated window seats The proposed form features playful gestures such as brightly coloured window frames
mhdf magazine 9 PROJECT ‘Spaces have been simplified, opened up where possible and arranged to support a clearer pattern of movement and use’ The breakout lounge, reclaimed from a former cupboard space, was planned as a place for young people to dwell, with a roof light and playful fixed furnishings The art room features bespoke integral storage to avoid clutter, and a built-in sink within a lockable unit The education room has a high ceiling with ample natural light to enhance focused learning Private Finance Initiative (PFI) framework added further constraints around programme and cost. The completed unit has been relocated from an off-site facility and now sits alongside an existing longer-stay CAMHS ward at Berrywood. Together, the two units provide 20 inpatient beds, improving service integration and making better use of shared staff and resources. Co-location also strengthens clinical support and enhances safety. A key challenge was that the new unit had a smaller footprint than the previous facility. Rather than expanding significantly, the design team focused on reorganising the existing layout and introducing a modest extension to accommodate essential functions. This extension houses art and education spaces, allowing the main ward to be used more efficiently for living and therapeutic activities. Positioned on an underused part of the site, it makes use of residual space while adding a distinct element to the overall composition. Internally, the approach was to maximise usability rather than increase area. Spaces have been simplified, opened up where possible and arranged to support a clearer pattern of movement and use. SUPPORTING ROUTINE AND INDEPENDENCE The Sett provides care for young people aged 13–18 with a range of complex mental health conditions. Typical stays last between six and eight weeks, during which maintaining structure and routine is important. The layout supports this by separating different types of activity. Bedrooms provide private space, while shared areas support social interaction and group work. The addition of a dedicated education and art block introduces a further layer, creating a distinct setting for learning and creativity. Locating this block away from the main living areas encourages movement throughout the day and reflects familiar patterns such as travelling between home and school. This helps reinforce routine and provides a sense of independence within a managed environment. The original ward was organised around a double-loaded corridor, a common arrangement that can limit daylight and reduce opportunities for interaction. While efficient, this layout often feels repetitive and institutional. The redesign breaks down this arrangement by introducing spaces that support more than circulation. An underused corridor and storage area has been converted into a breakout lounge, creating a place for informal use within the plan. At the same time, the dining and lounge areas have been opened up and connected more directly to the courtyard. This creates a more cohesive shared space and improves visibility across the unit. These changes make the layout easier to navigate and provide a clearer distinction between private and communal areas. They also support more flexible use of space, allowing staff and residents to adapt environments to different activities. LIGHT AND CONNECTION TO OUTDOOR SPACE Access to outdoor space is an important aspect of mental health design. At Berrywood, the existing courtyard structure provides a valuable resource that can be enhanced rather than replaced. The courtyard serving The Sett has been refurbished to increase its usability. Planting has been rationalised to free up space, and new seating and surfacing have been introduced to support a wider range of activities. Opening up the internal layout strengthens the connection between inside and outside. The courtyard becomes more visible and accessible, encouraging regular use as part of daily routines. Improving natural light was a key objective. The new extension incorporates clerestory glazing, bringing daylight into the art and education spaces while maintaining a controlled environment suitable for focused work. Elsewhere, rooflights have been introduced to bring light into deeper >>
10 mhdf magazine PROJECT sightlines for staff. Bedrooms provide personal space, with features such as dimmable lighting giving users some control over their environment. Close collaboration with NHFT has been key to the project’s development. Input from staff and service users informed decisions about layout, functionality and the overall character of the space. This process helped ensure that the design supports day-to-day operations as well as clinical requirements, and that the environment is appropriate for its users. The Sett shows how an existing ward can be adapted to meet the specific needs of young people in inpatient mental health care. Through reconfiguration, improved daylight and a small, well-placed extension, the project creates a more areas of the plan, including the breakout lounge. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting and improves the overall quality of the internal environment. Material choices support a more domestic and less institutional character. A neutral palette is used throughout, with colour introduced selectively to aid orientation and add visual interest. Furniture incorporates curved forms, which help soften the space without compromising durability or safety. Acoustic performance has also been addressed, particularly in learning and activity areas. Treatments such as acoustic panels help control noise levels and create a calmer setting. BALANCING SAFETY WITH A NONINSTITUTIONAL FEEL Safety requirements are a central consideration in CAMHS environments. Fixtures and fittings must reduce risk while remaining robust and easy to maintain. At The Sett, these requirements are integrated into the design rather than applied as an overlay. Furniture incorporates storage and services to reduce potential hazards, while maintaining a domestic appearance. Spaces are designed to balance privacy with observation. Seating areas offer a degree of enclosure, but maintain clear Architect: Fleet Architects Ltd Client: Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) PFI Contractor/FM: KIER Group plc Main contractor: T&B Contractors Ltd Structural engineer: QED Structures MEP consultant: Hawden MEP Ltd Cost consultant: DMR Consultancy Ltd ‘At Berrywood, the existing courtyard structure provides a valuable resource that can be enhanced rather than replaced’ The art room is enhanced by fitted furniture with integrated window seats, and a coordinated colour palette In the newly refurbished courtyard, existing shrubbery was relocated to one side and usable rubber surfacing created an activity area, extending the living space outdoors flexible and supportive environment. The design focuses on usability, clarity and a balance between interaction and privacy. Delivered within the constraints of a live hospital and a PFI framework, it demonstrates what can be achieved through careful planning and targeted intervention. •
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12 mhdf magazine DESIGN Designing for staff burnout Thoughtful building design, from rest areas to biophilic elements, can help to prevent staff burnout. Here, Devika Parmar, director of Architecture at multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, explains All employees have the right to expect their health, safety and welfare will be safeguarded in the workplace, and building design has a significant role to play in this. However, in healthcare, the function of workspaces and the effectiveness of rest spaces must focus on very different design factors to achieve their intended purpose. Even the most demanding healthcare sites can benefit from making space for staff rest and recovery. Under the New Hospital Programme, the Government has aimed to get staff welfare facilities right from the start. For the first time, the scheme mandates that staff welfare spaces must occupy at least six to seven per cent of the gross internal floor area under new standardised designs. This minimum allocation will continue to be protected and maintained throughout the full lifecycle of the building. The stipulation is intended to work hand-in-hand with the 10-Year Health Plan, which is expected to lay out a new set of staff standards to support healthier working. Of course, the provision and design of facilities can only go so far in tackling the employee wellbeing challenges, such as stress and burnout. Working arrangements and the enforcement of staff breaks is another issue altogether, but taking steps to provide break-out spaces that are comfortable and calming is an immediate indication to employees that their welfare is valued. Ensuring staff rest areas are not overlooked is the first important action for improving staff wellbeing at work. The next phase is to pinpoint the specific needs and designs of those using these recharge rooms before exploring the practicalities of integrating these spaces into a workplace culture. PRIORITISING NEED THROUGH CONSIDERATE DESIGN As architects specialising in healthcare design, it is our role to learn more about staff wellbeing and how thoughtful, purpose-led design can help alleviate some of the pressure faced by NHS staff. This starts by absorbing as much research as possible, while integrating and practising design techniques that have theoretical grounding in aiding staff wellbeing. While functionality is perhaps the overriding factor within patient areas, there is a degree of flexibility when it
mhdf magazine 13 ‘Getting the balance of provision right in healthcare staff wellbeing areas must also take into account how the design makes staff feel welcomed and able to use these environments’ comes to material and design choices in staff environments. Certainly, the benefits of biophilic design are well discussed, and healthcare is no different in the way that a connection to nature can help relieve stress in pressured environments. Dr Christina Malathouni, senior lecturer at the School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, recently led a seminar attended by a collaboration of health, care, local authority and third-sector practitioners to discuss the specific needs and design of staff rest areas in healthcare settings. Key outcomes from the discussions highlighted a desire by participants to be able to connect with nature, either through taking breaks outdoors or being able to access facilities featuring natural or biophilic design elements. These included maximising natural light and incorporating natural materials such as timber and interior landscaping. CREATING BALANCE AND VERSATILITY Other concerns raised in the seminar by healthcare staff were access to flexible space, which included quiet zones and socialising areas. Digital detox areas were suggested, while others preferred to spend time on phones and tablets for individual relaxation. Getting the balance of provision right in healthcare staff wellbeing areas must also take into account how the design makes staff feel welcomed and able to use these environments. This was discussed at the European Healthcare Design Congress, which encouraged taking a human perspective on infrastructure reform. Putting aside heavy workloads and workplace stress, can design mean staff feel unable to utilise dedicated break rooms or use their devices for fear their intentions may be misunderstood as not prioritising patient care? While the mandated provision for staff welfare facilities applies to the new hospital building scheme, during the Covid-19 pandemic, existing hospitals and care facilities rallied to find spaces where staff could take a break from the pressures of dealing with the virus. This ranged from disused courtyards, rededicating admin space or office rooms, or investing in permanent prefabricated buildings. In some cases, these rest spaces took the form of ‘wobble rooms’ – areas with arts, crafts and wellbeing resources for staff to utilise during periods of high workload intensity. Whether the priority is to provide stress-busting activities or areas for quiet contemplation, by adding visual privacy, acoustic barriers and soft furnishings to these breakout spaces, NHS staff can benefit from contrasting environments to the often sterile, pressurised surroundings in which they usually operate. As with all projects, however, there are important trade-offs to consider, should the design objectives for staff welfare facilities conflict with issues such as spatial decisions, privacy and visibility demands, competition with clinical space and, of course, cost pressures. Under the New Hospital Programme, a standardised design process will be implemented, known as Hospital 2.0. Intended to speed up construction and deliver modern facilities, hospitals that are fully >> DESIGN
14 mhdf magazine DESIGN compliant with the new designs will benefit from ‘standardised’ staff welfare provision. At the moment, we know this means a set amount of space is to be made available, but this is protected, indicating the Government recognises some trade-offs are worthwhile in the name of improving clinical infrastructure for employees. These are decisions that facilities managers wanting to improve staff welfare areas will also have to review. SUPPORTING STAFF TO STAY WELL Presently, there is no requirement for architects and designers to implement principles of biophilic art and design into healthcare settings. However, it has been adopted within several NHS environments, including Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, and its new Diagnostic Centre. Many academic studies cite a reduction in patient recovery times in biophilic environments, indicating there should be more of a directive to implement it across a spectrum of hospital settings, wherever possible. The refurbishment of the Lloyd Ward, for example, at Homerton University Hospital, London, focused on meeting the objectives of a more aesthetically pleasing and better functioning clinical space. This included a centralised welfare area for staff to enable their efficient movement through the ward, and a reception area with biophilic backdrops inspired by nature. The Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young People, where outdoor terraces benefit staff as well as patients At the recently opened Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young People, Kings College London, outdoor terraces across multiple floors form part of the design, providing access to calming outdoor spaces that benefit staff as well as patients and families. Meanwhile, at Blossom Court at St Ann’s Hospital in London, a staff rest area is explicitly part of the new adult mental health inpatient unit scheme. Newer mental health projects like Highgate East (North London) have been designed with features such as roof terraces, café style public spaces and community facing areas that promote wellbeing and offer settings where staff can take breaks from clinical pressures. While staff wellness is growing in awareness in healthcare environments, it is often misrepresented in proportion to patient need. Without the time and dedication of our doctors, nurses and support staff, there will simply be no NHS and no patients to care for. With the organisation set to undergo critical reform, perhaps this is an opportunity to address staff burnout, place it at the top of the need fulfilment list and help drive a healthier future for all. • The New Hospitals Programme aims to provide standardised designs for staff welfare
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16 mhdf magazine FLOORING Restoring resilient flooring offers mental health and dementia care facilities a safer, more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to full replacement, while minimising disruption and supporting therapeutic environments. Simon Testa, managing director of Stainbusters Cleaning and Hygiene – specialists in resilient floor restoration – explains Restore rather than replace Environments designed for mental health and dementia care must navigate some unique challenges when it comes to maintaining safe, calm and durable spaces. Unlike acute hospitals, where clinical efficiency drives many design decisions, mental health and dementia care facilities also require environments that minimise risk, promote calmness and maintain a sense of familiarity and stability for service users. These facilities must balance therapeutic design with strict safety standards while also operating within increasingly limited budgets, a challenge that is becoming ever more difficult to manage. While estate teams are highly aware of the importance of flooring performance and specification, sector guidance is still dominated by new flooring installations rather than lifecycle extension, and the knock-on effect is that awareness of resilient floor restoration remains limited. As a result, many facilities are missing out on the valuable benefits that surface restoration can deliver compared with full replacement. Yet as estates teams look for smarter ways to extend the life of their environments without escalating costs, and without compromising safety or quality, restoring surfaces rather than replacing them is becoming a highly effective and smart strategy. Flooring plays a critical role in both safety and wellbeing, and with infection control, sustainability and cost efficiency also high on the agenda, resilient floor restoration is gaining traction across mental health and dementia care settings as an effective means to address all of these key areas. SURFACES IN MENTAL HEALTH AND DEMENTIA CARE Resilient materials such as vinyl, linoleum and rubber are widely installed across these environments because they are durable, low maintenance and compatible with the safety-led design principles needed in specialist care. The non-reflective finishes and calming colours, tones and textures available also support the creation of a therapeutic and safe environment. Acoustically, resilient flooring supports noise control, which in turn can affect people’s comfort, privacy and emotional regulation. Importantly, resilient materials also provide smooth, continuous surfaces that reduce trip risks, support good hygiene and withstand high levels of footfall. Floors within mental health and dementia facilities are continually subjected to rigorous conditions due to daily routines. Equally, operational demands place significant wear on surfaces. For instance, over time, surfaces are impacted by high movement around wards and communal areas, as well as intensive cleaning regimes. The movement of heavy clinical equipment used in day-to-day care, such as trolleys and beds, and the routine use of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walking aids, also takes a toll on surfaces. Over time, these factors wear away protective coatings and degrade the surface. This can reduce slip resistance, compromise hygiene and negatively impact the therapeutic environment. Typically, this situation would prompt a complete surface replacement. However, restoration makes far more sense, while also reaping cost and time benefits over installing a completely new floor. FLOOR RESTORATION Restoration is perfectly suited to help mental health and dementia facilities maintain safety, calmness and operational stability. There is also the benefit that it is a practical and low-disruption solution. The restoration process itself is well structured, simple and fast. For environments where calm and continuity are essential, this smooth process avoids the major upheaval, noise, dust and disruption associated with new flooring installations, factors that can often trigger anxiety or distress among service users. As restoration can be carried out in phases and completed rapidly, it avoids the complex scheduling challenges that new installations cause. Extending the life of the existing floor also
mhdf magazine 17 FLOORING helps mental health providers maximise budgets, freeing funds for clinical care, patient support or facility improvements. There are further financial benefits too, including significantly lower material costs, reduced labour requirements, no waste disposal fees and no need to rescreed or level. It is also worth bearing in mind the lower indirect costs associated with moving patients or closing certain zones within the building while the work is undertaken. SUPPORTS A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH AND MAINTAINS OPERATIONS Restoring resilient flooring aligns with sustainability commitments and carbon reduction targets. There is no waste sent to landfill and less dependency on raw materials. Instead of disposing of old material, the existing surface remains in place, reducing waste and supporting principles of the circular economy. Furthermore, products frequently used in floor restoration, such as water based coatings and low VOC sealers, are also more suitable for mental health and dementia settings where air quality and environmental calm are essential to therapeutic care. Mental health wards and dementia facilities cannot easily be closed or relocated without significant planning, and therefore the operational benefits of surface restoration are especially important. There is minimal disruption as the process can be completed quickly, avoiding ward closures, patient moves, or the stress and disorientation that major environmental changes can cause for people living with dementia, which can create confusion and be upsetting. In mental health and dementia wards, flooring must actively support a safe environment, and restored floors bring safety benefits and risk reduction. For example, they improve slip resistance, which is critical for people with mobility challenges or balance issues, where slips and falls are more likely. Additionally, once a restoration project is completed, the end result creates a smooth, seamless surface which reduces trip hazards. EXTENDING THE LIFECYCLE OF MATERIALS Across the healthcare sector, there is growing recognition of the value in extending the life of materials rather than replacing them prematurely. In mental health and dementia facilities, where safety, calmness, continuity and financial efficiency must work hand in hand, resilient floor restoration offers a practical and effective solution. By choosing to restore, estate teams are delivering value on multiple fronts, maintaining high quality, therapeutic spaces more sustainably, more affordably and with far less disruption. It is the innovative choice for estate teams. • www.stainbusterscleaning.co.uk ‘Flooring plays a critical role in both safety and wellbeing, and with infection control, sustainability and cost efficiency also high on the agenda, resilient floor restoration is gaining traction across mental health and dementia care settings’
18 mhdf magazine in mental health environments Furniture in mental health and dementia environments has traditionally prioritised durability and safety. Today, however, a new generation of products is emerging that combines robust engineering with therapeutic design, sensory comfort and sustainability Wesham Rehabilitation Unit, near Preston, developed by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, has been designed to support a smoother transition from inpatient care to community living. Central to this is the careful specification of furniture that balances safety with a more domestic, supportive environment. Teal Lifecare was selected to supply anti-ligature furniture throughout the unit, ensuring robust performance in a high-risk setting while contributing to a less institutional feel. The 28 en-suite bedrooms feature bespoke, in-built furniture, including the ‘Insight Edge’ range, designed with integrated safety features, alongside Myla and Ottoman security beds. The furniture specification plays a key role in enabling service users to rebuild everyday skills and confidence. Bedrooms are designed to feel personal and functional, while shared spaces encourage engagement with daily routines. Communal lounges provide quieter areas for relaxation, and a shared kitchen allows residents to prepare meals, supporting independence as part of the rehabilitation process. A coordinated colour palette has been applied across furniture and interiors to create a calm and consistent environment. Softer tones and materials help reduce a clinical feel, while still meeting strict durability and infection control requirements. Mental health environments are evolving. Spaces once designed primarily around safety and durability are now being reconsidered for their role in supporting wellbeing, recovery, and the day-to-day experience of both patients and staff. While furniture has long been specified for its robustness, infection control and anti-ligature properties, expectations are shifting. Across the NHS and wider care sector, there is increasing recognition that the physical environment directly influences how people feel, behave and recover. In mental health settings in particular, design can have a measurable impact on outcomes. This shift is placing new demands on space planning, especially where footprints are limited and environments must serve multiple functions. Traditionally, furniture has been treated as a fixed, single-purpose element, often resulting in spaces that feel rigid and institutional. Now, however, designers are moving towards more adaptable environments where each element contributes to both function and experience. Manufacturers are responding with furniture that maximises space, reduces visual complexity and helps create calmer, more human environments. Functional pieces and coordinated furniture systems allow spaces to be planned more intentionally, supporting a range of activities without increasing clutter. At the same time, the core requirements of mental healthcare furniture remain critical. Products must still meet rigorous standards for safety, durability and infection control, particularly in high-use or high-risk settings. The challenge lies in achieving these requirements while delivering better design outcomes. FITTED FURNITURE Fitted furniture in care environments is evolving to balance safety, durability and wellbeing, particularly within elderly care settings, according to David Bailey Furniture, which is witnessing a clear move towards designs that feel less institutional and more residential, helping to create calm and familiar spaces that Rethinking furniture FURNITURE
mhdf magazine 19 FURNITURE support mental wellbeing and dignity. Modern fitted solutions also incorporate anti-ligature features, rounded edges and secure fixings, ensuring safety without compromising on appearance. This is matched by increased demand for integrated storage that reduces clutter and trip hazards, while maximising usable space. Materials and finishes are equally important. Warmer tones, wood-effect laminates and softer textures are now being used more extensively to create more comfortable, homely environments, while still meeting strict durability and hygiene standards. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Furniture is no longer simply functional. It plays an active role in shaping environments that support care delivery and improve patient experience. This marks a shift from individual products placed within a space to integrated solutions that help define how that space works. This approach is reflected in new product development, where flexibility and multifunctionality are designed in from the outset. As a result, furniture is increasingly viewed as part of the therapeutic infrastructure of healthcare buildings rather than standalone equipment. Manufacturers are also placing greater emphasis on comfort, sensory experience and domestic aesthetics. Contemporary healthcare furniture often draws on residential and hospitality design, using softer forms and warmer materials while integrating safety features discreetly. Anti-ligature performance remains essential, particularly in acute and secure settings, but product design has evolved. Solutions such as seamless upholstery, concealed fixings and reinforced frames reduce risk while maintaining comfort and appearance. Foam-based constructions can remove internal hazards, creating durable seating with a softer, more domestic feel. Sensory comfort is another growing focus. Furniture with supportive forms, tactile materials and calming colours can help create spaces that feel safe and reassuring. Curved seating and cocoonstyle chairs are increasingly used in relaxation areas, while high-back seating supports posture and mobility for people living with dementia. Familiar, domesticstyle furniture can also aid recognition and independence, reducing confusion for residents. FLEXIBILITY Flexibility extends beyond individual products to the wider use of space. Modern mental health facilities often include a range of communal areas for therapy, social interaction and family visits. Furniture must support environments that can adapt throughout the day. Modular and reconfigurable seating allows spaces to shift between group sessions, informal social use and quieter areas for reflection. This adaptability enables staff to respond more effectively to changing clinical and social needs. As healthcare design continues to evolve, furniture will play an increasingly important role in shaping environments that support recovery. The next generation of products is not only meeting functional needs, but helping to create spaces that feel safe, comfortable and dignified for the people who use them. • TEAL www.teal.co.uk Flexible, adaptable furniture designed for mental health and care environments, balancing safety with thoughtful design to support wellbeing and recovery. KNIGHTSBRIDGE FURNITURE www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk Designer and manufacturer of highquality, secure furniture for mental health and education sectors, combining durability with ergonomic comfort. DAVID BAILEY FURNITURE SYSTEMS www.davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk Bespoke manufacturer specialising in secure mental health furniture, including soft seating, dining and storage solutions. FURNCARE www.furncare.co.uk Specialist healthcare seating designed for safety, comfort and durability in mental health, dementia and elderly care settings. SWAN HILL FURNITURE www.swanhillfurniture.co.uk Supplier of robust, compliant furniture including seating and soft furnishings for mental health and dementia environments. TOUGH FURNITURE www.toughfurniture.com Anti-ligature furniture designed for secure mental health settings, combining safety with durability and practical design. Teal Lifecare furniture at Wesham Rehabilitation Unit (and opposite page) Teal Lifecare furniture at Wesham Rehabilitation Unit
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