Teal's mental health furniture equips new Psychiatric Decision Unit in Sheffield
A new Psychiatric Decision Unit (PDU) delivered by Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust will be the first point of call for any adult experiencing a mental health crisis in Sheffield. The Longley Centre, based at the Northern General Hospital gives people in a mental health crisis a safe place to receive emergency support.
The new unit has been equipped with Teal’s specialist mental health furniture throughout. Female lounge areas feature Astra Quantum mid back armchairs and sofas, weighted to 55kg, designed for environments up to high security, with a fully sealed seat to prevent concealment.
Dining and utility chairs are fitted with boarded undersides and security screws for added safety. All tables are security specification, including weighted Portobello coffee tables which are difficult to grasp, manoeuvre, manipulate or pick up. The unit has also been equipped with Teal’s ‘Buddy’ day bed, a specialist chair designed for relaxation, which can be extended to a 2 metre bed.
Working alongside photographic artwork specialists ‘Blue Pearl Photographic’ Teal project managed the photographic artwork selection, helping to select artwork to compliment the upholstery colour scheme and interior design themes throughout. Blue Pearl’s images are about healing – both people and the natural world and the super high resolution images deliver the ‘wow’ factor while the landscapes and nature scenes chosen help create a therapeutic, calming space.
Thanks to a £429,000 funding allocation people at risk of a mental health crisis will be able to access new support services in a safe and appropriate new purpose built space, ensuring they no longer need to be seen in the A&E Department for a mental health crisis. The unit boasts 24 hour a day care and support, with facilities to support up to eight people and hosts a range of mental health experts who can assess needs and provide appropriate support. The funding is part of the national £15 million Beyond Places of Safety Scheme run by the Department of Health and Social Care.
