Improving Patient Safety: Anti-Ligature Lighting in Mental Healthcare Hospitals
Anti-ligature lighting in mental healthcare hospitals is a crucial element in improving patient safety and reducing in-patient self-harm rates.
In England and Wales, there are at least 200,000 general hospital presentations for self-harm per year, including in-patients under the care of mental health services (University of Oxford).
Secure anti-ligature lighting plays a key role in mitigating the risks associated with in-patient self-harm, potentially saving lives.
Features of Anti-Ligature (Secure) Lighting Solutions
Anti-ligature lighting solutions are specifically designed to address the safety concerns of mental health facilities without compromising on quality.
Key features of these solutions include:
- Smooth design: The surface of an anti-ligature luminaire is typically seamless, without any gaps where a ligature could be secured. All wiring and electrical components are enclosed within the fixture, with no external access points.
- Tamper-resistant: These lighting units use tamper-proof screws and are securely fastened to walls or ceilings. Often, specialised tools are required for opening or maintenance.
- Durability: Anti-ligature lighting is built to withstand damage, ensuring long-term functionality in demanding environments.
- Energy efficiency: While safety is paramount, energy efficiency is also a key consideration. Modern anti-ligature lighting systems use energy-saving LED technology, aligning with the NHS’s net zero goals: The NHS aims to reach net zero by 2040, with an 80% reduction in its direct carbon emissions from 2028 - 2032.
- Easy maintenance: Healthcare settings require high standards of cleanliness. Anti-ligature lights are typically easy to clean and maintain, preventing the build-up of dirt or grime, which pose infection risks
Patient-Centred Design: Balancing Safety with Comfort
Mental healthcare environments must balance safety with the need to create spaces that feel comfortable and therapeutic. Lighting plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of these spaces.
Anti-ligature lighting can incorporate adjustable features, allowing the system to cater to varying lighting needs throughout the day or for different therapeutic requirements, all while maintaining necessary safety standards. Patients benefit from well-lit environments that promote psychological well-being without exposure to unnecessary risks.
Secure Lighting: Compliance with Regulations and Standards
Mental healthcare facilities in the UK are subject to stringent safety regulations. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates health and social care services, often includes environmental factors in their inspections to ensure patient safety. Anti-ligature lighting is an essential in meeting these standards.
Anti-ligature lighting is a fundamental component of a well-designed lighting system in sensitive healthcare settings. Beyond enhancing patient safety, these systems contribute to creating more positive spaces.
Tamlite’s new range of secure, anti-ligature luminaires has been carefully manufactured to offer maximum safety while promoting comfort and wellbeing for all building users.
- Tamlite is a leading designer and manufacturer of lighting systems for secure environments within the healthcare sector. Find out more about our newly launched Tamlite Secure Range. Click here to download our Secure Range Brochure.
