Calm Light (Convenient anti-ligature mains Light) – Anti-Ligature Shop Ltd

Nominee Information

The need for a conveniently situated ligature resistant bedside light was developed from feedback from a large mental health NHS Trust who observed that there were few robust ligature resistant bedside lights available for the convenience of service users within their bedrooms. Most bedrooms had standard light fittings above the bed which doubled as a bedside light by having a reduced power output thereby subduing the brightness. However many bedrooms had no dedicated bedside light. From our market research we found that there were only a limited number of bedside lights available. The main offering presented a rotational light which had been problematic for patients identified with autism who would keep rotating the fitting and manipulating the switch. The task was to develop a ‘Convenient Anti-Ligature Mains Light’, (CALM-light) suitable for service users with autism. The challenge was to create a tamper proof anti-vandal safe fitting that provided light with out presenting the opportunity to use the fitting for an ulterior purpose.

The CALM-light has been created in steel with a powder coated anti-bacterial finish available in a range of colours. The angular contemporary minimalist ligature resistant design fits seamlessly above the bed within the bedroom. The initial feedback on the light has been so positive that we created three models. The original model which has no switches or movable parts as identified in the customer brief. A second version of the bedside light has been created for acute mental health wards. This second version provides increased functionality via a non touch sensor on off / dimming switch. A third more advance variant is also being developed incorporating an auto dimming clock.

The development of different variants of the bedside light was initiated in recognition that one size really doesn’t fit all. We wanted to develop a range of variants which met the needs of different patient groups in terms of the lights functionality.

The CALM-light is due to be trialled within the Trust which initiated the original enquiry from which we will either further develop the prototype based on feedback or place the light in production following extensive testing. ALS Ligature resistant products have been in consultation with the British Research Establishment in preparation to test the product both for ligature resistance and robustness under the Informed Choices program (BRE / DIMH)

We believe that the CALM-light should win the concept award as it was developed in collaboration with a mental health provider who recognised a real need for a new bedside light for patients on the autism spectrum. This is a true collaboration. The product has been further developed to meet the needs of other patient groups.