Vistamatic exhibited at this year’s Design in Mental Health Exhibition showcasing a clear emphasis on strengthening service user engagement through thoughtful, patient-centered designs. Vistamatic is known for specialist vision panels and secure glazing solutions, and the company exhibited bespoke, highly technical products which demonstrated how they can play a role in improving the lived experience of individuals in mental health environments.
Their showcase focused on how design can support dignity, privacy, and autonomy—key factors in creating spaces that feel safe rather than restrictive. By incorporating feedback from service users into product development, Vistamatic demonstrates a commitment to understanding real needs beyond clinical requirements. This approach ensures that safety features do not come at the expense of comfort or human connection.
At the exhibition, visitors explored how Vistamatic’s solutions contribute to a more transparent, respectful interaction between staff and patients, helping to reduce anxiety and build trust. The company also engaged directly with attendees to gather further insights, reinforcing the importance of collaboration with service users, clinicians, and designers alike.
Between glass blinds have proven pivotal in healthcare projects such as the Nightingale Hospice, where performance, hygiene, and patient experience are critical. Their integral design—sealed within double-glazed units—prevents the build-up of dust, dirt, and bacteria, supporting strict infection control standards and eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance.
With no external cords or components, the systems are fully ligature-resistant, making them suitable for all healthcare pathways. The ‘homely’ feel of the integral blinds makes for a more inhabitable environment for patients. Equally important is their contribution to privacy and observation. Staff can easily adjust visibility, allowing for discreet patient monitoring while maintaining dignity and comfort.
In care homes and assisted living environments, safety is a key priority, and integral blinds remove the risks associated with cords, loose fabrics, and damaged fittings. They also provide effective privacy and light control while allowing natural daylight into resident spaces, helping create calmer, brighter, and more comfortable living environments for residents and staff alike.
Durability is particularly valuable in high-traffic care facilities where products must withstand constant operation and frequent cleaning. Because integral blinds are protected inside the glass cavity, they are less likely to become damaged, bent, or broken compared to external blinds or curtain systems. This helps reduce maintenance costs and minimises disruption for residents and staff.
Vistamatic will be unveiling a new edition at IHEEM 2026 in Manchester, marking an important development in the evolution of its vision panel range for healthcare. The latest release builds on the company’s established expertise in controlled observation systems, introducing enhanced performance, improved usability, and greater durability.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see how the new product supports the healthcare industry. Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern healthcare settings, it reflects Vistamatic’s ongoing commitment to innovation and practical design improvements.
