HSE Acute Mental Health Treatment Centre

We worked closely with the clinical and design teams in the HSE to provide a handrail solution for the purpose-built Ashlin Centre. The Ashlin Centre, located on the grounds of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, was designed as a safe and therapeutic environment providing acute care and treatment under North Dublin Mental Health Services. The design brief was to provide an anti-ligature handrail solution across the corridors of the centre as part of measures to reduce the risk of harm to vulnerable users. The handrails used have been specifically developed for use in mental health applications to aid in the prevention of self-harm and reduce the risk of ligatures. The curved design offers comfortable grip for pedestrian support and safety. It has a larger than normal surface area and integrated continuous retainer bracket, designed to reduce the opportunity for pick points. In addition to the handrail being easy to clean and hygienic, it is also durable and designed to withstand impact or abuse in in high traffic areas.

This type of handrail is also useful in facilities for the elderly due to the elimination of space in behind the rail where in the past older people have slipped and broken or hurt their arms and wrists. The variety of finises available is really helpful in challenging environments, particularly where there are children, as some colours bring a sense of calmness to a highly stimulating or stressful environment.