A better bedroom to aid recovery.

With considerable evidence that the quality of the building 'space' within which mentally unwell patients are cared for impacts significantly both on speed and degree of recovery, the Design in Mental Health Network (DIMHN) has been working with the BRE and leading product suppliers over the past 5-6 years to develop a 'Better Bedroom' for such patients. The first Better Bedroom has now been in situ at the Warrington headquarters of specialist window and door manufacturer, Britplas, since September, attracting considerable interest. The aim is to showcase, within a 'mock-up' bedroom adaptable over time to incorporate emerging technologies, some of the latest thinking and features for creating mental healthcare inpatient accommodation that is not only comfortable, calming, and 'non-institutional', but also maximises patient and staff safety. HEJ editor, Jonathan Baillie, reports.