Gradus Keeps Surfaces Looking Fit and Well at University Hospital Llandough

Gradus has supplied wall protection to the new unit for Mental Health Services for Older People at University Hospital Llandough in Cardiff.

Older people''s mental health services provide care to people who suffer late life onset mental health problems or one of the dementias. The new Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) unit at University Hospital Llandough covers a range of community, day hospital and inpatient services, with a community focussed model of care.

Gradus has supplied and installed a complete wall protection system to the new MHSOP unit, including wall guards, corner guards, a combined handrail and wall guard system, Armaclad® wall strips and Sanparrel™ sheet, using colours Amethyst and Muslin to create a calming and hygienic design solution to the new unit.

Each wall protection product was sensitively specified to adhere to the requirements of the new MHSOP unit. On the first floor, where the risk of self harm is present, Gradus’ 1200 combi-rail was specified and installed with a continuous timber batten to provide an anti-ligature option. Sanparrel PVC-u sheet was then installed over the top of the timber batten to subtly disguise the anti-ligature feature helping it to blend in as part of the combi-rail system.

1300 wall guards were installed at low level to protect wall surfaces from being damaged by wheeled traffic such as trolleys and wheelchairs, whilst high impact PVC-u corner guards were fitted to corners throughout the wards and corridors to absorb and deflect impact where high traffic levels are anticipated. The wall and corner guards incorporate replaceable, easy to clean, through-coloured and textured covers, which conceal the effects of impact and abrasion.

To prevent scrapes and dents to doors in the busy corridor areas, Sanparrel PVC-u sheet was specified to provide complete door protection by fully cladding the door surfaces. Functionality was combined with aesthetics with the use of a bespoke wave effect design, which was also used to highlight the door furniture to assist the visually impaired and meet the guidelines in BS8300:2009+A1:2012 and Approved Document M (2004). Similarly, Gradus’ Sanparrel sheet was installed to the walls behind the bed heads in the bedrooms to protect these vulnerable surfaces.

In addition, Armaclad® wall strips and 700i wall guards were installed in the busy waiting rooms, to provide protection against impact, abrasion and scrapes from chairs, as well as to reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifecycle of the new unit.

Simone Joslyn, Clinical Lead at Cardiff and Vale UHB, commented: “Gradus’ wall protection system is ideal for the new unit for Mental Health Services for Older People at University Hospital Llandough, as it is hygienic and offers a suitable anti-ligature solution. By installing a complete wall protection system from Gradus the cost of ongoing repairs is reduced, whilst the aesthetics of the newly furnished unit are maintained.”

Chloe Taylor, Wall Protection Product Manager for Gradus, added: “Walls and doors in busy corridors, such as those at the new MHSOP unit, are vulnerable to damage from patients and staff, as well as wheelchairs, beds, trolleys and medical equipment. 

“By preventing dents, scuffs and scrapes with a correctly specified wall protection system, a unit benefits three-fold: the overall appearance is improved, a more hygienic environment is created and costly maintenance and repair costs are reduced, extending the lifecycle of the unit.”

For further information, please contact Gradus Technical Support on 01625 428922 or visit the website www.gradusworld.com.