Chosen for its experience in specialist care environments, Gainsborough has provided two ‘highly advanced’ wetrooms for The Welland Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Kettering.
St Mary’s is a multi-functional Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust site that provides both inpatient and outpatient mental health services.
A purpose-built, adult mental health inpatient facility, the Welland Centre has four wards focused on treatment, recovery, and psychiatric intensive care, and a Section 136 suite, which required two new ‘specialist’ wetrooms. GFM, the FM company responsible for maintenance, appointed Gainsborough to deliver the project thanks to its proven track record in specialist bathing.
Zoe Sparrow, GFM Building Service manager, commented: “The Trust asked us to upgrade the bathrooms to ‘clinical-centric’ wetrooms, with advanced features to support nurses and highly vulnerable patients. All fixtures and fittings had to be anti-ligature, and with infection control and accessibility key, we decided to specify Gainsborough, having seen its specialist work in prisons, and received recommendations.” Five specialists completed the first wetroom in four weeks, and the second in three. Ian Trotter, head of Gainsborough’s G360 Bathrooms (pictured), who oversaw the project delivery, said: “While our team is well versed in operating in live care environments, this project was challenging. Nevertheless, we complied with all safety and security protocols, and kept disruption to a minimum.”
The wetrooms’ overall design was ‘ultra-minimalistic’, to increase safety and hygiene. Infection control was supported using contactless specialist sanitaryware operated by light sensors. Showers encompass detachable ‘bayonet-style’ hoses, so carers can connect only when required.
Zoe Sparrow added: “The newly installed showers with detachable hoses are excellent for washing wheelchair and vulnerable patients without having to remove them from a chair or commode. Sensor operation eliminates touchpoints, and the walls have a professional finish. Grab handles are considerately positioned, and the wetrooms have an anti-slip floor. The two new wetrooms mean patients can maintain their dignity while benefiting from a degree of independence. Bathing facility-wise, our site can now accept more patients with complex needs.”