A key theme in the building’s design was greater privacy for patients than was afforded within the previous unit, where patients shared bedrooms. Within the new IPCU, patients each have their own single bedroom with en-suite shower room, enabling greater privacy and offering patients a tranquil space.
The SWING anti-barricade doorsets from Kingsway Group shown here were used to provide a safe non-institutional solution with the unique SWING leaf and half anti-barricade system being used for the DDA bedrooms to provide increased access width.
A new central courtyard also offers patients a considerable outdoor space to exercise or to relax and enjoy some fresh air, while a further improvement is the provision of private rooms where patients can spend time with visiting friends and relatives. (3)
Limitations of the old IPCU meant that patients could only spend time with visitors in the communal dining area.
Patients also have access to a new IT suite, where they can remain in touch with friends and family members or keep up to date with the outside world, while they will also benefit from an art and music room, a group therapy room, gym and a relaxation area.
NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins said he was delighted to see patients move in this week. He added: “We recognize that providing modern, therapeutic environments support us to deliver the high standard of care our patients deserve.
“This facility will enable some of our most vulnerable patients to be cared for in a safer and more supportive environment, designed specifically to meet their needs.”
And Sandy Riddell, director of Fife’s health and social care partnership, which oversees the provision of mental health care, concluded: “We are determined that patients in Fife should receive the very best care available and this impressive new facility will certainly support us in this end.”