The new GalvinCare Anti-Ligature Shower Control Valve with Electronic Activator – winner of the Product Innovation of the Year Award at May’s Design in Mental Health 2016 Awards – was designed to provide service-users and patients with an easy-to-use way to activate and control a shower, ‘while providing the anti-ligature and vandal-resistant features needed in mental healthcare environments’.
Designed and produced by Galvin Specialised – part of Australian designer, manufacturer, and supplier of commercial tapware and valves, Galvin Engineering – it is sold in the UK by designer and manufacturer of anti-ligature sanitaryware and control valves, Wallgate. The tap has a ‘uniquelooking’ spherical controller easily manipulated by using the palm of the hand and/or fingers to control the temperature, making it suitable for those with arthritis ‘or other impeding hand health issues or injuries’.
Galvin Engineering said: “The polished stainless steel finish and smooth form provide a non-institutional, homely look, while the design and materials ensure that the unit can resist heavy knocks and rough treatment. The valve operates similarly to a household lever mixer, but without the lever, and assists in providing a safe environment for patients.”
With bevelled edges for maximum tight fixing, the valve reportedly offers easy temperature blending and operation.