Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The huge £42 million, two-phase construction project was undertaken on behalf of Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT), by main contractor Medicinq Osborne.

The design of Kingfisher Court drew upon international best practice to create a healing and therapeutic environment to support people on their recovery journey from mental illness. Every room has en-suite facilities, giving service users greater privacy and dignity. Located at the Kingsley Green site, Kingfisher Court has 86 bedrooms, on five separate wards and has been designed with the needs of service users in mind to provide a state-of-the-art environment for assessment and on-going treatment.

The project was no mean feat, as the main contractor would have to sub-contract to a number of manufacturers to ensure that a quality, durable finish could be met on time and on budget. The mechanical and electrical engineering work was subcontracted by consultants The Barn Partnership. They specified Contour for the specialist manufacture of LST radiator systems in the demanding mental health environment.

Contour quickly developed a solution meeting the rigorous specification. The Company supplied DeepClean LST anti-ligature radiators, with guards manufactured from 1.5mm mild steel, to provide a safe, secure and durable low surface temperature solution. The DeepClean units were fully welded incorporating anti-ligature grilles and fitted with fully shrouded TRV controls. This is a major requirement when specifying fittings for use in acute mental health service units.

In addition a variety of security fixings and fasteners are available to stop unauthorised access to inside the casing. All the radiator guard cases benefited from radius corners and edges thereby reducing the risk of injury should anyone fall against a unit. The cases were finished in electro-statically treated and applied, oven-cured polyester powder coating, providing both an attractive and durable finish.

Maintaining hygiene is right at the top of the agenda in clinical institutions and Contour were able to meet this requirement in three clear ways in this project.

1. All Contour radiator guards’ incorporate Biocote® in the ‘final finish’ as standard. Biocote is a patented silver-based anti-microbial agent which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria including MRSA, helping to reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections.

2. The DeepClean LST radiator guard is constructed using a patented, quick release hinged door. This allows the front of the casing to be laid flat to the floor and provides an operative easy access to clean the radiator. The door is so robust that it can be stood upon if necessary without resulting in any structural damage. The hinge design also facilitates complete removal of the door if required.

3. Contour also supplied the company’s revolutionary LST Rotarad kits to complement the radiators and increase the efficacy of the cleaning regime. By incorporating this unique rotary valve system, radiators can be easily lowered down to floor level by a single person. Effective cleaning is now possible on the top, front, sides and back of the radiator, as well as the wall around and behind the radiator.

Leigh Simpson, Contour’s Managing Director, commented, “This was a very satisfying job to be involved with’’. He went on to add, “Our expertise, knowledge and experience in safety critical environments makes us the ideal partners to work with when specifying for challenging clinical projects”.

For comprehensive information on Contour’s entire LST radiator and guard range, or to arrange a free site survey, call 01952 290 498, or email sales@contourheating.co.uk