Panel Discussion: Designing Mental Health Emergency Departments: Creating Better Care Environments for All

Synopsis

This session will explore how emergency department (ED) design can better support patients in mental health crisis while also contributing to calmer crisis care environments. The session is aimed at Estates Directors capital planning leads, clinicians, with a focus on practical design, resourcing, and operational considerations for acute hospital settings. Drawing on real-world experience, including Bradford’s ED development, the session will highlight lessons learned, evidence-based design principles, and opportunities to support quieter, more compassionate safe, and integrated environments that benefit across patient cohorts and staff