Fulton State Hospital: An Anti Suicide Furniture Case Study
The renaissance of Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, MO, highlights a pivotal shift toward advanced safety and compassionate care within behavioral healthcare facilities. With its doors reopening, the institution has transitioned from its dated past to become a beacon of modern, empathetic mental health care, heavily supported by the introduction of Norix’s innovative furniture solutions aimed at mitigating harm and enhancing a nurturing environment.
Safety in Behavioral Healthcare Facilities
Governor Jay Nixon’s remarks during the opening ceremony shed light on the dire need for the hospital’s overhaul, referencing the past incidents where staff endured injuries amidst challenging conditions.
“We just saw this incredible, inordinate number of people who were injured here,” Nixon said. “Then we began to see more and more significant turnover, especially among nurses and things like that. Folks were giving us trouble about overtime but heck, we were out there trying to recruit people for those positions – they’re dangerous, they’re difficult, people are getting hurt.”
The substantial investment in the new facility responds to these concerns, offering well-conceived spaces that prioritize the dignity and safety of both patients and staff alike.
Norix’s role in this transformation is central, supplying the hospital with anti-ligature chairs, secure bedroom furniture, and welcoming common area pieces. This collaboration has been key to setting a new standard for mental health facilities nationwide, emphasizing safety without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.
The design strategy for the hospital was rooted in the belief that environments can help facilitate recovery. This principle guided the selection and arrangement of furniture and fixtures by CASCO + R|5, alongside Architectural Designer Gina Walton’s thoughtful planning. Their goal was to seamlessly integrate Norix’s varied product line to complement the modern design ethos of the facility while ensuring an unwavering focus on safety.
“We needed solutions that both fit the modern design of the plans, and had the ability to ensure safety for staff, patients, and family”, Walton stated. “Norix was able to provide a wide breadth of products to suit the needs of the areas along with the ambiance”.
Notably, the RockSmart rocking chairs exemplify this integration, offering solace and aesthetic appeal in communal areas. These, alongside the durable Hondo Nuevo line and secure X-Base tables, play a crucial part in fostering a setting where safety and warmth coexist.
Patient Room Safety
The design ethos extends into patient rooms, where safety is of the utmost importance. Here, Norix’s Attenda series is a standout, specifically engineered to minimize self-harm risks by eliminating potential ligature points, all while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. The adaptability of these furnishings, including the option to modify restraint features, underscores Norix’s dedication to creating flexible and compassionate care environments.
The Push Towards Reducing Ligature Points In Furniture
Norix’s dedication to enhancing furniture safety is clear through our active collaboration with healthcare facilities. We aim to fully understand and address the complex needs of these environments. Our products have earned acclaim for adhering to the rigorous standards established by entities like the Joint Commission. Such efforts reflect a broader movement within the industry, striving for environments that are not only safer but also imbued with empathy and understanding, accentuating our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare settings.
In short, Fulton State Hospital’s rebirth is a narrative of progress and empathy, where the strategic integration of our furniture marks a significant leap forward in redefining behavioral healthcare spaces to be as secure as they are supportive, symbolizing a broader commitment to evolving healthcare environments into sanctuaries of healing and care.
Interested In Upgrading Your Healthcare Facility?
Anti ligature. Ballastable. Greenguard Gold certified. Norix furniture checks every box. Request a quote today for your facility.