Sowenna CAMHS Inpatient Unit

Sowenna CAMHS InPatient Unit

Bodmin

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust took the opportunity to significantly improve the outdoor space as well as supporting safety and security at its CAMHS Inpatient unit in Bodmin.

At a glance

Client
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Sector
Mental Health

Products
Fortress 80 Fencing

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Project details

The Sowenna CAMHS Inpatient Unit in Bodmin opened in 2019. The unit had been fitted with a wooden slatted external boundary fence which had quickly proved problematic, with patients able to climb the fence quite easily.

From internet research, the Trust had identified Britplas’ Fortress 80 Fencing as a possible suitable replacement product. Its anti-climb and anti-ligature properties were obviously a necessity but the Trust was also drawn by the option to print artwork onto the fence’s cloaking which they felt would significantly improve the outdoor recreation area as well as providing an opportunity to involve young people and give them a say on what the new fence would look like.

Anti-ligature Fortress 80 Fencing is widely used for securing mental health unit buildings, recreational and outdoor areas, providing total security and safety for patients and staff.

Supported on substantial posts and fixed with anti-tamper fixings, Fortress Fencing is ultra-strong, exceptionally secure and can be built up to heights of 5.2 metres.

Having settled on the Fortress 80 product, current inpatients were provided with a choice of four different scenes for the new fence. The winning design featured a stretch of rocky coastline, a fitting reminder of the nearby Cornish coast. Karyn Roberts, Business Support Officer chose a bright RAF blue for the fence posts, in a nod to her RAF background, which further brightens the finished effect and reduces its impact.

The fence was installed in Q4 2020, with Britplas adopting Covid-secure working practices to carry out the project during the UK’s second period of lockdown.

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