Henry Boot Construction will build calming de-escalation facilities as part of a major upgrade of an NHS mental health centre in Sheffield.
The £3m refurbishment of the Maple Ward at the Longley Centre is designed to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients.
Maple Ward provides important assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing a diverse range of emergency mental health needs.
Works have already begun and include the upgrade of the two-storey mental health unit and redesign of the layout to create 17 en-suite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, a newly landscaped garden courtyard, and calming de-escalation facilities.
Calming de-escalation facilities, also known as sensory rooms or calm rooms, are designed to provide a safe and quiet environment for individuals to manage their emotions and behaviour, particularly during times of distress or crisis.
Henry Boot will also install new drainage, manholes, window and door openings and refurbish the mechanical and electrical systems.
Ligature points removed
Fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site will be removed to improve patient safety. Ligature points, such as protruding hooks or fixtures, pose serious risks for self-harm and accidental injury.
Lee Powell, managing director of Henry Boot Construction, said: “This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs. The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air retreat for self-reflection and relaxation.
“Well-designed healthcare environments are extremely important for our community, and we’re committed to ensuring the space meets the highest standards for both patients and staff.”
Adele Sabin, head of the therapeutic environments programme which is behind this refurbishment, added: “We are doing this work to put the comfort and safety of our service users at the forefront, removing ligature anchor points and creating high-quality environments for care.
“I’m really excited to see our plans for the site come to fruition, and I am very proud of everything our team has done to get us to this stage of making our plans a reality.”
The project is expected to be completed in late autumn this year and the ward will then be reopened.
