When Marcus Eyre became project manager for the new dementia ward at Tonna Hospital in the Vale of Neath, Wales, he was determined to provide a new and innovative environment for patients.
And he found the perfect solution when he attended a mental health and dementia forum, where he met with Vistamatic, manufacturer of privacy glass for observation control.
With the emphasis on creating an environment that was anti-ligature by design, but also homely and non-institutional, he selected Vistamatic’s Anti-Ligature vision panels incorporating artwork.
The decision was made to use a different flower in each vision panel to help individualise bedrooms and aid with orientation.
The artwork has not only been included in the panels themselves, but the same graphics are also used within the bedroom spaces.
Colour and individual bespoke graphics can make the world of difference to a project, be they of a novel or commercial nature, and they can play a part in creating an exciting or calming influence within an environment
“Colour and individual bespoke graphics can make the world of difference to a project, be they of a novel or commercial nature, and they can play a part in creating an exciting or calming influence within an environment,” said a spokesman for Vistamatic.
“At Vistamatic we recognise the importance of this and of enhancing the overall experience of patients, staff and visitors within mental health and dementia environments and we pride themselves on our effective approach to interior design, helping to create an outstanding therapeutic space.”
He added: “A patient’s perception of internal perimeters is that of an obvious custodial boundary, something unmistakably institutional and a constant reminder that they are living in a secure environment.
“We realised that by adding art to our vision panels we could soften the physical appearance of the doors while significantly enhancing the internal patient environment.”
Speaking about the impact of the improvements, Eyre said: “These vision panels provide a practical solution respecting the privacy and dignity of the service users and promoting recovery and independence, which is essential for environments like this.”
