Healing the mental health & dementia facilities magazine October 2024 How soundscaping can revolutionise healthcare spaces KNIGHTSBRIDGE FURNITURE p12 Designing for mental health care sound NOBI LAMPS p18 A gamechanger for care home safety
Project Delegates Join us to expand your professional network and stay updated on the latest developments in the industry. [email protected] Suppliers Meet with the decision makers delivering mental health & dementia estates and facilities. [email protected] 12th – 13th Nov 2024 The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Warwickshire The mental health & dementia facilities forum provides the perfect environment for those delivering mental health & dementia facilities, including the UK’s leading architects, contractors, M&E contractors, NHS foundation trusts, private mental healthcare providers and care homes to meet with leading industry suppliers, in a relaxed, sociable environment to create lasting business relationships. Tel: 020 8288 1080 www.mhdf-forum.co.uk meet. connect. do business. Creating meaningful connections in business Pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings Select who you want to meet! Receive a bespoke meeting schedule prior to the forum, plus a printed directory with all attendee details. Gain industry knowledge Get exclusive entry to informative seminars, hosted by industry leading professionals discussing key topics in the industry. Extensive networking After a busy day of meetings, naturally extend your relationships over lunches, coffee breaks and networking drinks.
mhdf magazine 3 The healing power of sound: Moodsonic soundscaping Contents 5 News A round-up of the latest news and events in the sector 8 Healing sound: How soundscaping can revolutionise healthcare spaces Fran Board, sound designer, researcher and writer looks at how sound and soundscaping can aid recovery and healing in healthcare environments 12 Knightsbridge Furniture Jason Brown, director of Design and Development at Knightsbridge Furniture, discusses how furniture within mental health facilities can help with controlling infection Editor’s Note October 2024 The healing power of sound In recent years, the importance of mental health has }ained si}nificant reco}nition, leadin} to innovative approaches aimed at enhancing wellbeing. Among these, soundscaping and sound design have emerged as powerful tools in creating therapeutic environments. By harnessing the natural and artificial sounds around us, these practices can profoundly impact our mental state, fostering relaxation, focus and emotional healing. Soundscaping involves curating an auditory environment that promotes calmness and reduces stress. This can be achieved through the strategic use of nature sounds, ambient music or even silence, all tailored to the specific needs of individuals or }roups° ,esearch has shown that pleasant sounds can lower heart rates, decrease anxiety and even improve cognitive function. Whether in a therapeutic setting, mental health unit or hospital, soundscaping can create a soothing atmosphere conducive to mental wellbeing. In mental health care, thoughtfully designed auditory elements can enhance therapeutic interventions° or instance, incorporatin} specific freµuencies or rhythms in music therapy can help individuals process emotions and experiences, making therapy sessions more effective. Additionally, sound design can create immersive experiences in mindfulness practices, aidin} in }roundin} techniµues that promote presence and self-aÜareness° On page 8, sound designer and researcher Fran Board discusses how sound shapes the experience of patients, staff and visitors in profound ways. If sound could be designed, she eÝplains, it can not only have a beneficial effect on one’s surroundin}s but could act as a si}nificant tool for healin}° As we continue to explore the intricate connections between sound and mental health, the potential for soundscaping and sound design becomes increasingly evident. By prioritising auditory experiences in our daily lives and therapeutic practices, we can foster environments that not only soothe the mind but also empower individuals on their journey to mental wellness. Embracing the healing power of sound may very well be the key to unlocking deeper states of connection and recovery in our increasingly noisy world. Helen Adkins Editor [email protected] the mental health & dementia facilities magazine Publishers Stable Publishing Limited S C ouse, ,estmor 7ay Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. [email protected] healthcaredm.co.uk Editor Helen Adkins Sales Director Julian Walter Production Nicola Cann Design Gemma England Managing Director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. 16 ASSA ABLOY A look at the critical role of mechanical technology in digital access 18 Nobi Smart Lights Designed to reduce the number of falls in older adults, these lamps have proved a gamechanger for the sector 8 18 12
mhdf magazine 5 NEWS The GMB Union has raised concerns following the administration of contractor ISG, which held 69 government contracts valued at over £1.8 billion, including a new prison aimed at alleviating overcrowding. The collapse puts approximately 2,200 jobs in jeopardy. evin randstatter, national officer, stated\ ¼/he collapse of S leaves all the overnment contracts it held, Üorth Ë£°n billion of taÝpayer cash, in eopardy° /his is the lar}est collapse in the industry since Carillion Üas liµuidated°’ e emphasised the need for a re-evaluation of the procurement process, su}}estin} that the free maret appears unable to deliver proects on time or Üithin bud}et° ¼ t¿s time the public sector ends its reliance on the private sector to deliver bi} proects,’ he added° n response to S ¿s failure, the uildin} n}ineerin} Services Ƃssociation SƂ® has called for a sÜift and decisive }overnment response° E firms are eÝpected to face the most si}nificant impacts, Ühile construction data firm arbour Ƃ estimates that S has approÝimately Ë£°Ç billion in unfinished proects° i}ht divisions of S , includin} S Construction imited and S n}ineerin} Services imited, entered administration on Óä September° any subcontractors had already paused Üor due to overdue payments, hi}hli}htin} on}oin} cash yoÜ issues° SƂ¿s C O, avid rise, remared\ ¼Sadly, the lessons of Carillion have not been learned, and our members, alon} Üith hundreds of other subcontractors, are left to pic up the pieces yet a}ain°’ e stressed that profit mar}ins in construction are eÝtremely thin, leavin} small and medium-siâed enterprises particularly vulnerable° /he S collapse, occurrin} ust Üees after the renfell /oÜer public inµuiry report, underscores the precarious state of the 1 construction sector° rise stated\ ¼*eople’s safety and Üellbein}, alon} Üith economic }roÜth, depend on a robust, Üell-financed construction sector, Ühich Üe manifestly do not have°’ n li}ht of these challen}es, the }overnment has announced neÜ measures aimed at taclin} late payments to support small businesses° *rime inister eir Starmer eÝpressed commitment to addressin} the issue, statin}\ ¼Stampin} out late payments is at the heart of this° Ƃfter years of delay, Üe’re brin}in} forÜard measures that small businesses have lon} been callin} for°’ SƂ Üelcomed these initiatives but ur}ed for eÝpedited consultations to address the on}oin} late payment crisis, especially folloÜin} S ’s collapse° ¼/he construction en}ineerin} industry consists of impressive companies run by eÝpert people Üho Üant to do a }ood ob, but they are often hampered by a broen contractual process that leaves them scramblin} around for money ust to eep proects and their companies alive,’ rise added° ● GMB Union warns ISG collapse puts new prison project at risk
6 mhdf magazine NEWS In recognition of World Alzheimer's Month and the rising demand for dementia-friendly travel, Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa in Warwickshire has taken significant steps to create a Üelcoing environment for guests with dementia and their caregivers. olloÜin} an incident Ühere a }uest Üith dementia Üandered from their room at ni}ht, illesley anor implemented a comprehensive staff trainin} pro}ramme to eµuip employees Üith the sills to support these }uests effectively° /his initiative is a collaboration Üith eÜ Ƃ}e Care, a idlands-based home care service, Ühich has trained the hotel staff and produced a }uide for other hotels to adopt° eneral mana}er Stephen earnley emphasised the importance of the trainin}\ ¼7hile our ni}ht staff mana}ed the situation Üell, Üe reco}nised that the }roÜin} number of dementia cases necessitated Üidespread trainin} for our team°’ /he trainin} covers essential topics, includin} understandin} dementia and practical communication strate}ies, ensurin} that all }uests receive the utmost respect and care° eÜ Ƃ}e Care also created a Dementia Friendly Hotel Guide, offerin} actionable recommendations for enhancin} the hospitality eÝperience, such as improved lighting, managing noise levels and thou}htful furniture choices° Samantha 7hittaer, director at eÜ Ƃ}e Care, said\ ¼Ƃs our a}in} population increases, the need for dementiafriendly travel destinations Üill }roÜ° Collaboratin} Üith illesley anor has broadened aÜareness of hoÜ to support people livin} Üith dementia, aimin} to create a more inclusive hospitality industry°’ ● www.newagecare.co.uk www.billesleymanor.com Dementia-friendly hotel: Warwickshire hotel partners with home care service Willmott Dixon has signed a multi-million-pound main contract to build a new 28-bed secure children’s home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, that will provide much-improved facilities for young people. *rocured via *a}abo’s aor 7ors rameÜor, the company Üas ori}inally selected last year by incolnshire County Council to complete desi}n proposals for the home, located in onemill ane on the outsirts of Sleaford° /he proect, Ühich is bein} funded by the epartment for ducation, Üill provide care for some of incolnshire’s most vulnerable children as Üell as bein} a national resource for secure accommodation° t replaces an eÝistin} smaller site that is comin} to the end of its useful life and Üill help meet risin} demand from a national increase in the number of children reµuirin} both criminal ustice and Üelfare placements° /he home is desi}ned to reach net-âero in operation, providin} a partial }rid solution, supported by eÝtensive solar panels and state-of-the-art poÜer stora}e° /he home has been desi}ned by ier and is due to be completed in late ÓäÓÈ° ● www.willmottdixon.co.uk www.kier.co.uk Go ahead for Willmott Dixon secure children's home
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8 mhdf magazine SOUND AND HEALTHCARE DESIGN How soundscaping can revolutionise healthcare spaces sound Healing When we think of healthcare and mental health design, our minds might focus on efficient layouts, soothing colour schemes or clean lines. But there’s one invisible factor that often gets overlooked in these spaces: sound. Sound designer, researcher and writer Fran Board explains Hospitals and healthcare facilities are full of noise. And this noise isn’t inconsequential; it shapes the experience of patients, staff and visitors in profound ways. But what if sound could be designed just like any other part of a healthcare environment? What if, instead of being a source of stress, sound became a tool for healing? This is the promise of soundscaping – a practise that rethinks the role of sound and its impact on healthcare experiences. THE PROBLEM WITH NOISE Let’s start with the obvious: noise in healthcare is a major problem. Step into a hospital and you’ll probably be greeted by bleeping alarms, staff conversations, pagers, slamming doors, rattling trolleys, air conditioning or televisions. The problem is that most of these sounds aren’t part of a designed experience. And when we listen to the hospital soundscape collectively, these noises don’t tend to come together to form a gentle hubbub of activity. Instead, they tend to be noticeable stressors that punctuate an already uncomfortable environment. Noise isn’t just annoying; it’s harmful. Noise in hospitals can increase patient stress, prolong recovery times and disrupt vital rest. This can be disastrous for the patient, but they’re not the only ones who suffer. Healthcare staff face increased burnout and even a higher risk of making critical mistakes – like dispensing errors – due to noise. And for visitors, these environments aren’t conducive to calm or comfort when they need it most. This is where soundscaping comes in – not to eliminate sound altogether but to shape experiences with it. SOUNDSCAPING: SHAPING HEALING SOUND Counterintuitively, absolute silence isn’t the best background ambience for rest or wellbeing. Silence signals danger, making us feel vulnerable (just imagine how you’d feel in a forest if the birds suddenly stopped singing). Empty, echoey spaces can feel cold, clinical and devoid of warmth. Plus, in silent spaces, distractions that do occur become even more marked. Soundscaping isn’t about reducing volume levels to zero. It’s about crafting an intelligent auditory experience that supports the functions of different spaces. By carefully designing the sonic environment, healthcare and mental health professionals can create spaces that reduce stress, improve focus and even promote faster recovery. But how does soundscaping actually work? It’s a combination of two active processesÆ introducin} beneficial sound into a physical space, and simultaneously reducing the impact of distracting or stressful noise. These processes are made real through a combination of science and new technology. BENEFICIAL BIOPHILIC SOUND In 1984, R S Ulrich’s famous study found that patients whose windows faced a park recovered faster compared with those looked out onto a brick wall. Since then, many thousands of research studies have shown that natural elements can improve health. These principles don’t stop at what we see; they extend to what we hear. Sounds from nature can have a similarly profound impact on our health and mental wellbeing. FRAN BOARD Fran is a designer, researcher and writer on all things sound, science and design. She has over ten years of experience in soundscaping environments, such as workplaces, healthcare, retail and transportation hubs. At Moodsonic, she works with some of the world’s largest architects, designers and organisations, using sound to optimise their buildings.
mhdf magazine 9 SOUND AND HEALTHCARE DESIGN As we evolved outdoors, we came to associate certain sounds with safety, comfort, restoration and nourishment – like birdsong, fresh running water or leaves swaying in the wind. Even though we now tend to live in urban environments and spend most of our time indoors, we’ve retained this connection to nature. When we hear certain natural sounds, our brains and bodies automatically relax. /he benefits of natural sound can be measured in many ways. Researchers measure it in people’s bodies. Heart-rate is reduced, breathing regulated, muscle tension eases and skin conductance response (a measure of stress) reduces. They also see mood improve, with greater feelings of comfort, safety, motivation, calm and escape from everyday concerns in the presence of natural sound. Amazingly, these sounds even reduce pain perception and patients require less pain medication in the presence of natural sounds. SOUND FOR PRIVACY AND DISTRACTION The second process at work involves ‘masking’ distractions. Of all the annoying noises, overheard speech is the biggest complaint and distraction indoors. As inherently social creatures, Üe find speech almost impossible to ignore. But listening to it takes up most of our mental bandwidth. In healthcare settings, noises like overheard conversations disrupt patients trying to sleep and staff trying to focus. Of equal importance in healthcare is acoustic privacy. On the one hand, it’s about protectin} patient confidentiality, ensuring that personal health discussions don’t leak out into hallways or waiting rooms. But beyond the legal obligation, there’s the human factor – patients are ‘When we hear certain natural sounds, our brains and bodies automatically relax’ more likely to open up about sensitive issues when they feel they aren’t being overheard. When noise is an issue, it might seem counterintuitive to introduce more sound° ut by raisin} the ¼sound yoor’ or background level it can diminish distractions. For example, conversations become less intelligible and don’t grab people’s attention. The beauty of soundscaping is that these masking effects can be achieved with natural sounds. A water soundscape, lie a yoÜin} mountain stream, can be designed to meet templates that maÝimise their efficacy of sound masin}, as well as acoustic comfort and wellbeing. It’s both soothing and functional – a win, win solution. SOUNDSCAPING TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION The idea of using sound to heal might sound abstract, but the results are very real. UK-based soundscaping company Moodsonic has been deploying soundscaping technology in corporate environments in the UK and around >>
10 mhdf magazine SOUND AND HEALTHCARE DESIGN the world, and now too in healthcare buildings. Last year they announced a collaboration with a leading New York cancer centre to provide new insights into how soundscaping can positively affect patients and staff in healthcare. Through their corporate work – which includes soundscaping wellbeing rooms, office spaces and Üaitin} areas, amon} others – Moodsonic’s customers have found si}nificant improvements\ {ǯ reduction in psycholo}ical stress, £ä¯ reduction in heart-rate, improved mood, nx¯ reduced distractions and Σ¯ tas accuracy. The company has developed technology that takes the science of sound and enables it to be delivered as ambient San Francisco Community Health Center’s (SFCHC) mission is to transform people’s lives by advancing health, wellness and equality with a focus on inclusion and social justice. The soundscaping design process began by definin} the buildin}’s audio âones° These are the different functional areas where the soundscaping would play. At SFCHC, this includes waiting areas, corridors and individual behavioural health rooms. These were chosen as important parts of the patient journey. The soundscape could welcome patients into the building, support them as they moved through the space, and create a sense of calm in treatment rooms. Importantly, it would also afford patients extra acoustic privacy for sensitive conversations. Ƃlon}side loudspeaers, amplifiers and a soundscaping generator, noise sensors were also installed in each zone. These sensors are highly secure. They discard any actual audio and extract only metadata about things like the activity level or volume level in the space. It’s these sensors that will allow the soundscaping at SFCHC to evolve in real time as these spaces change. With help from Moodsonic, the centre’s management team chose generative soundscaping themes for each of these areas. Change management is an important part of managing any sensory intervention and so clear communication with clinical staff around purpose and options is beneficial° SFCHC’s soundscaping system requires very little ongoing management. Staff can directly control the soundscaping themes to create different ambiences when appropriate, but otherwise the sound evolves moment to moment, day to day. ‘Moodsonic’s soundscaping has made a marked difference to patient and staff experience’, says the centre’s clinical team. ‘Staff have commented on the increase in acoustic privacy and say that the sound helps them feel more relaxed. Patients have told us how welcoming the building feels.’ ● San Francisco Community Health Center CASE STUDY background ‘soundscapes’ in a building. /he measurable benefits of sound are tuned into a library of themes to support functions like welcome, restoration, focus, privacy and sleep. Importantly, their sound never loops, as that would only cause more irritation. Instead, it’s generated using a sonic AI engine that evolves the soundscapes over course of a day to match people’s circadian rhythms and, using noise sensors, can adjust the qualities of the soundscapes in response to changing activity levels or distracting ‘The measurable benefits of sound are tuned into a library of themes to support functions like welcome, restoration, focus, privacy and sleep’ events. It’s kind of like a living soundtrack for healing. Soundscapin} isn’t a one-siâe-fits-all solution. It can be tailored to the needs of its specific spaces and users, includin} healthcare and mental health care. Different soundscaping themes play in different areas and building managers have direct control to change them. These developments also mean the benefits can be delivered at neÜ scale° ● www.moodsonic.com
12 mhdf magazine FURNITURE help control infection Jason Brown, director of Design and Development at Knightsbridge Furniture, discusses how furniture within these facilities can help with controlling infection Controlling infection is essential to all sectors and facilities within the healthcare industry because of the harm infection poses to patients. More specifically for mental health facilities, their aim is to reduce harm and create a safe environment for healing, helping service users to return home. Even though these facilities are less susceptible to spreading infection, the potential for harm is prevalent and therefore needs to be controlled. After the devastating effects of the Coronavirus outbreak, it is imperative that infection control is better handled to avoid another epidemic of its size. By having surfaces that are easy to clean, it’s easier to stop the spread of germs, viruses and bacteria. One of the major touchpoints and breeding grounds of infection in the industry, and within all types of rooms, is furniture. A strict cleaning regime is therefore vital to keeping these major touchpoints free from dangerous pathogens. Having furniture that is easier to clean facilitates a more frequent and thorough cleaning routine while reducing areas of concern. THE RIGHT FABRIC Choosing the right type of fabric and desi}nin} specific features into furniture is an essential part of controlling infection rates, and ensuring spaces are kept clean and hygienic. In particular, reducing the number of seams, eliminating folds and How furniture can in mental health facilities Acron Extreme chair with the Hula Extreme table at the Millbrook Mental Health facility
mhdf magazine 13 PROJECTS pockets of fabric are important. These areas are traditionally difficult to clean but present opportunities to decrease the risk of infection considerably. Fabrics are pivotal to controlling infection and it is vital that non-porous materials are chosen as they can withstand frequent cleaning. Vinyl or faux leathers are prime examples of which fabrics should be FURNITURE Elan and Hydra Extreme ranges at Millbrook Mental Health facility Elan Extreme chair chosen for these facilities because of their hygienic qualities. The choice is broad now, and many fabrics are available which are resistant to modern cleaning agents and some even have antimicrobial coatings. ‘Fabrics are pivotal to controlling infection and it is vital that non-porous materials are chosen as they can withstand frequent cleaning’ COLLABORATION At Knightsbridge Furniture, our sole focus is creating furniture that meets the needs of its service users and, by recently collaborating with Cranium Medical Products, we have been able to revolutionise some of our products with infection control in mind. The Elan chair, originally designed by Jason Lansdale, and the Esprit table have been manufactured by being rotationally moulded using ABS plastic. This process and material has antimicrobial properties which is essential for mental health units and ensuring infection is kept under control. The Millbrook Mental Health Unit in Nottinghamshire is just one of the many facilities home to some of the Knightsbridge Furniture ranges. More specifically, in the SherÜood Oa Üard, we provided a whole host of furniture for different spaces within the facility for service users to feel comfortable and safe. This new ward was a £30 million refurbishment of the old St Andrews hospital and was built for adults with acute mental illness with all efforts being streamlined with the Millbrook unit. There are multiple ways to control infection within these facilities with furniture being one of the factors. Choosing the right pieces which meet the needs of the service user whilst ensuring reduced levels of risk are just two elements that we at Knightsbridge Furniture take into consideration when we design and manufacture each piece. By collaborating with Cranium Medical Products, we are able to offer and introduce new ranges that can offer new levels of risk management. ● www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk Bepop Extreme range at Millbrook Mental Health facility in Nottinghamshire
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mhdf magazine 15 PREVIEW This unique networking event is designed to bring together architects, contractors, M&E contractors and NHS foundation trusts, in addition to private mental healthcare providers and care homes, with innovative industry suppliers. This year’s theme is Rethinking mental health spaces, where we’ll be discussing: • Promoting recovery through art and nature • Integrating mental and physical health • Private funding for mental health care development • Medium-secure spaces that promote wellbeing for all • Service user-led design for autism/ CAMHS • Bringing care closer to home Speakers include: • Crystal Jones, analyst from WELL • Richard Mazuch, director of design research and innovation at Arcadis, IBI Group • Alice Green, architect at Arcadis, IBI Group • Lianne Knotts, director at Medical Architecture ATTEND MHDF AS A SUPPLIER Over one-and-half days, you’ll benefit from a tailored schedule of one-to-one meetings with your chosen mhdf project delegates made up of the architects, contractors, project managers and consultants delivering projects in the UK. What’s included: • One-to-one scheduled meetings • An abundance of networking opportunities • An all-inclusive package (accommodation and meals) • An exclusive event directory • Limited competition *Access to all the speaker sessions Contact [email protected] ATTEND MHDF AS A COMPLIMENTARY PROJECT DELEGATE Join us as our guest at the forum and learn about the latest trends and developments in the sector. The event comprises of thought-provoking seminars, and the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers to find out about innovative products and services. During the event, we host informative speaker sessions, where industry professionals will highlight the many innovative designs, developments and thoughts about the industry. In addition, we will provide one to two nights’ accommodation, including all meals and refreshments, plus a drinks receptions and a gala dinner, giving you extensive networking opportunities. Registration for the event is now open: https://tinyurl.com/449nyvt6 For more information, visit our website www.mhdf-forum.co.uk or call 0208 288 1080 where Georgie Smith will be pleased to answer any of your questions. ● 12-13 November 2024 The Belfry Hotel & Resort Sutton Coldfield We are pleased to announce that Stable Events will be hosting our annual mental health & dementia facilities forum, in partnership with Design in Mental Health Network (DIMHN) mental health &2024 dementia facilities forum
16 mhdf magazine PROJECTS A rapid process of digitalisation in access and security technologies is underway. But electronics are not a replacement for – but a complement to – robust, secure and trusted mechanical design. Growing demand for convenience, connectivity and new functionality continuously extends the power and level of choice in access devices. Digitalisation is a key enabler of more comfortable and tailored access solutions in both residential and commercial buildings. Yet the necessity for innovations in mechanical design remains as great as ever. Why? Because all new digital locking functionality must be backed up by intelligently designed, secure mechanical elements. It is not the electronics that keep a door bolt in position, but rather the lock’s physical components. The digital components of many ASSA ABLOY solutions are designed to enhance usability and convenience. For example, they replace the need to carry a heavy keychain by providing a programmable credential – card, key or smartphone – which can unlock several openings. In the event of a lost a key or card, the digital element enables easy disabling of those access rights, eliminating the need to replace keys and cylinders. But to be fully effective, every digital locking device requires the electronics and mechanical security to work in tandem. If the mechanical part of the loc is yaÜed, the door can be opened regardless of its digital security. This is where access providers with a strong heritage in mechanical manufacturing have the edge in our rapidly digitalising market. Many components within a digital access device are and will remain mechanical. Authentication and authorisation will continue transitioning to digital, clearly, but internal mechanics must keep the door locked and the space secure. Ƃn additional convenience benefit, digitalisation also enables seamless integration with complementary products and solutions: in a domestic setting, with smart doorbells, security cameras and intruder alarms; in the workplace, with a range of business-critical systems from time-and-attendance software to complex smart building management systems. This interaction between digital and mechanical technology is fundamental in future-proofin} healthcare facilities, far beyond just their security. STANDARDS IN MECHANICAL AND DIGITAL SECURITY A growing focus on security standards is also evident in the realm of IoT devices, where data breaches and cyber-attacks are increasingly common and potentially costly. In 2023, IBM estimated the average cost to a business of a data breach at more than 4m EUR. In response to increased risk, supranational regulators such as the European Union have begun promoting more robust cybersecurity measures, including to regulate the security of all products with digital components. Very soon, companies which want to sell into the EU market must show that their product meets basic cybersecurity requirements. PSTI has been introduced in UK law to set security standards for IoT devices. /his hi}her profile for standards Üill help ASSA ABLOY and our industry peers to better communicate security benefits, risks and best practices. A commitment to developing secure products, both their mechanical and digital elements, is quickly repaid by customer peace of mind. ● www.assaabloy.com Kelly Gill, chief technology officer at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, discusses the critical role of mechanical technology as an enabler for the latest innovations in digital access Reliable digital access requires mechanical innovation and experience COMMENT
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18 mhdf magazine SAFETY Advances in technology are progressing at lightning speed and will play an increasingly important role in care settings in the coming years. So how can we capitalise on this and embrace technology to make healthcare buildings safer, more effective places? Technology is already available that will support busy care and nursing teams, and improve outcomes for residents and patients, but incorporating this smart tech into existing projects can be a slow process. Now is the time to develop smarter care infrastructure that is fit for the future and can help proactively tackle the challenges faced by the health and social care sectors. This technology is revolutionising existing care settings, and when new health and social care buildings are being developed or redeveloped it is a missed opportunity not to incorporate it from the very beginning. Nobi Smart Lights have been created with a clear goal in mind; to ensure older adults can age with independence and dignity. They do this while freeing up time for care staff, allowing them to focus on one-to-one care. Their deployment is a great example of how adoption of intuitive, simple-to-use technology can have a huge impact on residents and patients, reducing falls in care homes by up to 84%. THE PROBLEM OF FALLS According to the Care Quality Commission in the UK, across 15,000 plus registered care homes, there are between 270,000 to 1,620,000 falls per year. In many cases falls result in serious injury, but in many others an ambulance is called as a precaution, because care staff simply do not know what has happened. Separate to the danger of the fall itself, 20% of falls in the UK are categorised as ‘long-lie’ falls, in which the individual remains on the yoor for lon}er than one hour. These falls are much more serious and can lead to severe health problems, with 50% of older adults who remain on the yoor for over an hour dyin} Üithin siÝ months1. a gamechanger for care Nobi Smart Lights have been designed to reduce the number of falls in older adults, while ensuring they can age with independence and dignity. Roeland Pelgrims, co-founder and CEO of Nobi BV, explains Nobi Lights -
mhdf magazine 19 SAFETY In the Lake District in Cumbria, a pilot between the NHS, Nobi and residential care facility Hartland House, is transforming fall detection and prevention in a way that has the potential to revolutionise how the care sector operates. Falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in Cumbria (and indeed across the whole of the UK), placing pressure on both care staff and the NHS. This highlights the need for action and cost-effective solutions. Teams within the NHS are exploring preventative measures that will keep people out of the healthcare system. They are particularly interested in how new digital technologies can support people in the social care and healthcare systems. For this project, the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) funded the installation of eight of Nobi’s AI-powered smart lights at the Hartland House care home to explore the lights’ capabilities regarding fall prevention. For the initial eight-bedroom phase of the pilot, the bedrooms of residents with the highest incidence of falls were selected. The lights were introduced in a phased manner, to allow the AI to learn the movement patterns of the residents and to allow the staff to get used to using the new technology. The Nobi Lights communicate through an intuitive app on the care teams phones and the Registered Care Manager has a dashboard in the office, alloÜin} them to oversee any alerts. Central to the success of this pilot has been the enthusiastic adoption of the technology by Leanne Scrogham, the registered manager at Hartland House and her team. She has championed the technology with care staff, the care home’s trustees and residents’ families. Hartland House in Milnthorpe, Cumbria The Nobi lights started to have an effect almost immediately, and with careful and thorough implementation the staff Üere able to see the full benefit of the technology. The impact on the lives of the eight residents who received the lights was so profound that the management team were compelled to install the lights across the whole home just four months into the six-month pilot. Now, using the AI enabled smart lights across the whole home they have been able to cut the incidence of falls in the care home by 84%. Care staff are as vigilant as they can be when it comes to falls, monitoring patients all day and overnight. Staff complete rounds of bed checks every two hours to make sure that residents are still in their beds. However, this practice is time consuming and tedious for care staff, and intrusive and disturbing for residents, while still meaning that a resident could be on the yoor for hours Üithout being found. With Nobi, residents are monitored unobtrusively and securely, allowing carers to dedicate time where they are needed, and know that they will be alerted if a resident falls, or if a frequent faller even sits up in bed. HOW DOES IT WORK? At night, Nobi’s automated lighting illuminates the room softly as soon as the resident sits up in bed. This prevents disorientation and ensures people can find their Üay Ühen Üain} up and }oin} to the bathroom. If the resident gets out of bed, Nobi fully illuminates the room and notifies caregivers, enabling them to offer proactive assistance and prevent falls. This feature also allows care workers to prioritise frequent fallers. If a fall occurs, the Nobi communicates with the resident, asking if they have fallen. If the response is anything other than a clear ‘no’, care staff are immediately alerted, Üith a stic-fi}ure image showing the residents position within the room. Nobi provides carers with privacyprotected, stic fi}ure ima}es of the £x seconds leading up to and after a fall, allowing them to identify the cause and gather crucial information to ascertain the seriousness of a fall, and prevent future falls. Because Nobi ensures immediate help after a fall, safety and wellbeing are improved. Also, by preventing long-lie falls, obi si}nificantly contributes to shorter hospital stays, decreasing healthcare costs. Nobi Lights are just one piece of the puzzle. If developers and managers can start incorporating these life changing pieces of technology at the design stage, we can look forward to more connected, effective healthcare environments. ● Ref: British Medical Journal https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC1504022/
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