A new ward uses smart design choices to improve staff and patient safety and support positive patient experiences.

A contemporary and homely new Mental Health Low Dependency Ward (12B) has special design features to keep staff and patients safe. It was made possible by frontline health care workers, Work Health Safety (WHS), the project team and other stakeholders working together to create exceptional health care.

‘12B is an excellent example of getting it right during design through good consultation and always thinking of patient experience and staff safety,' according to WHS Senior Director, Daniel Guthrie.

An important factor in the design of 12B was supporting the development of ‘relational security’ using design features and enhancements.

Relational security refers to the way patients and staff work together, and the way that this relationship helps to maintain safety throughout the patient’s stay.

‘Relational security is about building an empathetic and professional relationship between patients and team members by getting to know each other as people, not just as patients and staff,’ Acting Assistant Director of Nursing, Adult Acute Mental Health Services, Shaun Bayliss, explained.

‘This personal connection helps to reduce negative behaviours including occupational violence. Essentially people are less likely to injure someone they have a connection with.’

In 12B, relational security is supported by having an open-plan nurses’ station on the main floor. There is seating available opposite staff to encourage consumers to sit and have a chat with team members if they have a question.

A secure space for staff to retreat to directly behind the staff station gives team members the confidence to use the station, without fear of being vulnerable to occasions of occupational violence (OV). 12B also has a welcoming and homely feel.

It has features such as a lounge room style common area, and access to external green space. These design features, along with the sensory modulation room, were identified as important early in the planning stage.

‘Staff contributed excellent ideas, including an accessible sensory modulation suite. Patients can use this area to experience different sensations to help soothe their emotions,’ Shaun said.

‘This includes being able to listen to music, dim or change the colour of the lights, use a weighted blanket, watch relaxing images, and use hand items such as squeeze balls.’

CHS is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, patients, and visitors. The work undertaken to open the 12B ward supports our goals under the CHS WHS strategy, the Nurses and Midwives: Towards a Safer Culture project, and the Occupational Violence Strategy.

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