The BRE and the Design in Mental Health Network (DIMHN) are working together to develop ‘recognised quality standards’ for products used in mental healthcare buildings.
The BRE said: “There is little guidance, and few standards, for products used in these settings – the result being an inconsistent approach to product specification and performance across the NHS.”
DIMHN, which has been working with the construction industry to improve the quality of building products used in mental healthcare for several years, recently approached the BRE specifically to co-develop ‘definitive standards’, to allow professionals working within mental health ‘to make informed decisions that help ensure that environments are safe, supportive, user-friendly, and therapeutic’. Starting with windows and doors, the aim is to cover factors ranging from anti-ligature, ease of use, maintenance, and security, to protection level, acoustic performance, and sustainability.
Joe Forster, chairman of DIMHN, added: "Manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors, in mental healthcare face a bewildering array of conflicting requirements. This collaboration will give us a shared understanding of the product attributes that work in everyone's interests."
BRE and DIMHN are keen to work with ‘the key sector stakeholders’, and, to start the process, plan a workshop ‘to help define the requirements and project scope.’ They also aim to run pilot schemes soon. Since the BRE and DIMHN announced their collaboration to develop design guidance at May’s Design in Mental Health Network conference (HEJ – April 2014), over 50 organisations have asked to be involved in the consultation process. To register an interest, email: mentalhealthcareconsultaion@bre.co.uk.
