A survey by the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) found that, on specific doors, there were high risks associated with the attachment of ligatures, primarily over door tops.
This has resulted in the trust opting for a solution from Intastop.
The Door Top Alarm helps prevent attempted suicide by detecting when weight is applied to the top of the door.
This tamper-proof system, which can be retro-fitted to existing doors, works via a discrete sensory pad being installed at the top of a standard door and, should a weight be applied, it will alert staff via an audible alarm, visible light, staff indicator panel, or pager or main computer.
Marie Hanby, marketing manager for Intastop, said: “We are delighted we have been able to help CWP provide a real solution to help avert risks associated with ligatures from door tops.
”It is essential that care providers offer a safe environment for their patients and staff, and through the installation of our Door Top Alarm CWP is providing the best-possible prevention solution.”
Additional features of the Intastop Door Top Alarm include inbuilt false alarm prevention, FD30 fire rating, and an anti-ligature design with secure fixings and hidden wiring.
Daniel Allmark, head of capital and property management at CWP said: “We have a robust risk management framework and are continually searching for solutions that keep our patients safe.
”After assessment of three different options; removal of en-suite doors, chamfered door tops, and a door top alarm, we agreed that it was the Intastop Door Top Alarm that would provide the most-robust solution to managing ligature risk.
”We are now looking at a programme of installation for a number of trust areas including adult acute, PICU and Low Secure Units.”