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Laidlaw anti-ligature door furniture for £6 million learning disability centre
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Laidlaw Solutions’ Orbis Anti-ligature range of stainless steel door furniture has been used extensively at Rose Lodge, a specialist centre for the assessment and treatment of working age adults with a range of learning disabilities. This is the latest of a number of projects undertaken by Laidlaw alongside specialist healthcare architects MAAP and Laing O’Rourke for Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
MAAP Architects’ brief was to create modern and safe facilities that respect the privacy and dignity of service users. The local NHS Trust also required the building to be future-proofed to a 'medium secure' level, so anti-ligature products included Bedroom, Washroom and Communal Room Locksets, all with primary or secondary barricade features. Acute, Enhanced and Supported Care facilities will be provided using a 'Swing' bedroom layout to allow flexibility of admissions. The environment will be one of intensive use, so choice and performance of door furniture was key. Laidlaw Business Development Manager Clint Robertson commented, “The interior emphasis in such secure environments has changed dramatically and the extended range of co-coordinated Orbis Anti-ligature door furniture has provided greater design scope. Long-term performance of door furniture for clients such as this is critical, so the 10-year guarantee is invaluable.”
The £6.1m centre will provide intensive help and treatment for health problems such as epilepsy and is supported by a team of health professionals and specialists who will determine each individual’s complex needs. Construction was undertaken under ProCure21 procurement for publicly funded NHS Capital Schemes, the fast track timber framed construction being undertaken by Laing O’Rourke. Their Project Manager Joe Jefferson, added, “Laidlaw performed extremely well, contributing enormously to the scheme. They were a very influential part of the delivery team, enabling a successful conclusion to the project”.
The project has been submitted to the 2010 RICS Awards for the 'Community Benefit'' category.
