Health Based Place of Safety- Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust – Gibberd Architects

Nominee Information

SHSC sought to improve the Section 136 suites within the existing Longley Centre. The project involved relocation of the SPA and Crisis hub to release floor area to relocate and develop a purpose designed Health Based Place of Safety, a fit for purpose therapeutic environment designed to enhance the care model, providing privacy and dignity for all service users.

Split over two phases, Phase 1 provided purpose designed SPA and Crisis support facilities with flexible meeting and interview spaces, delivering a bright, airy, modern environment for all. Newly located within an existing concrete frame shell offering freedom of layout, whilst presenting limitations in location of existing service risers. Providing a new reception using colour and pattern to achieve sense of place and arrival, where lighting has been maximised.

The scheme was co-designed to shape all aspects throughout design and construction. Having exceeded the brief, clinical teams have developed a sense of ownership, bringing plants into the areas to further enhance the therapeutic environment.

Phase 2 was coproduced from inception with regularly review and testing to develop layouts. The HBPoS layout was developed to deliver assessment space and 3 spacious ensuite rooms which are zoned with good observation and arranged around a flexible hub, with well defined, secure external amenity space, all technical design choices were made with privacy, dignity and delivery of a therapeutic environment at its heart.

Artwork was central to the design, the team worked closely with Trusts Art Therapies lead and codesigned with experts by experience. Developed around key artworks by local artist Jill Ray which are interpretations of local landscapes, bringing a sense of familiarity and local identity to the scheme. Artwork gives each suite an individual identity, extracts of the artworks are used through screen and vision panels. This colourful, calming imagery brings visual interest and synergy between the internal and external spaces.

Material specifications ensured robust, fit for purpose solutions whilst contributing to the therapeutic environment. Suites are carpeted utilising technologically advanced carpet, with impervious membrane backing and antimicrobial yarn coating, achieving Indoor Air Comfort Gold, contributing to indoor air quality and improved acoustics. The communal spaces utilise vinyl flooring, with modern wood effect to enhance the therapeutic environment, being low VOC emissions, UK made, BES 6001 Excellent, manufactured from recycled materials, A+BRE rating with long-term life guarantee and 100% recyclable. Furniture was selected from a supplier providing repair and reupholstery services reducing future waste.Each suite has independently controlled colour and circadian rhythm lighting and heating and cooling which is delivered using heat recovery to improve energy efficiency. Suites are equipped with interactive media walls providing tailored entertainment and information with built-in Bluetooth sound system.

HBPoS has been operational since January 2024, clinical teams have observed the difference in service user behaviour within the new facility. The use of the space by service users has demonstrated the benefits of a therapeutic environment in influencing service user behaviours with calmer behaviours and far reduced damage to the environment.