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The practice has completed a project to refurbish and improve the security of the Lakeside medium-secure Mental Health Unit reception facility. The brief was to create a secure reception area serving two wards (T-block and O-block), the Lakeside Unit itself, and outpatients visiting the Psychiatry and Psychology departments.

The facility is open round-the-clock, so general visibility, good surveillance of visitors and high security for staff were essential requirements of the client. Visitors enter via sets of airlock doors, controlled by reception, while staff carry swipe cards

The projecting shape of the desk, and its fully-glazed security screen, provides reception staff with a 270º view of the area. CCTV has been installed to monitor the external spaces.

The colour scheme is one step removed from that of usual health facilities, in response to the client’s request for a modern and light space rather than one that has a clinical or institutional feel.

RIBARIBA