Door top alarm commended for simplicity and effectiveness

A door top alarm system, pivotal to the personal safety strategies in mental healthcare establishments, has been commended by a hospital trust for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) has installed the Door Top Alarm by Intastop on all its Adult Mental Health Inpatient facilities in Tickhill Road site in Doncaster, Swallownest Court in Rotherham and at Great Oaks in North Lincolnshire to further develop and consolidate its patient safety strategy.

"The door top alarm from Intastop prevents the possibility of suicide from door tops but does not compromise the integrity of the door in terms of fire safety, privacy and functionality," commented Michael Ibemesi Trust Patient Safety Lead RDaSH.

"It has proved most helpful to our Mental Health Inpatient service and also to our staff in managing a patient¹s risk of suicide and is a superb tool in supporting our patient safety policies."

The anti-ligature, Door Top Alarm supports the national strategy to prevent suicide in England and was developed by Intastop Ltd as a result of growing concerns expressed at the Design in Mental Health Conference 2013 in how best to manage the issue.

The discreetly designed, tamper proof system works by a sensory pad being installed at the top of any standard door and, should pressure be applied, it will alert carers and staff via their chosen method ­ audible alarm, staff indicator panel, pager, computer or visible light. The device connects via the mains power system and is also compatible with most staff attack alarms.

"The discreet nature of the alarm allows us to fulfil our patient safety obligations and removes issues we experienced previously in dealing with this where privacy and other health and safety concerns were often apparent," said Michael.

"Not only is the device highly effective, its simplicity in terms of design and use is to be commended in supporting this very real issue faced by mental health establishments. And, as it is suitable for both new build and retro-fit projects, it proves financially viable for Estate Managers. I have already recommended the product to other NHS Trusts for its effectiveness and believe that is should be an integral part of any building where such occurrences may be a possibility."

Sarah Barsby Marketing Director Intastop Ltd concluded: "It is pleasing to hear that the alarm is proving to be a vital tool in preventing or alleviating the severity of suicide attempts and keeping patients safer at NHS Trusts and Mental Health establishments across the UK.

"Our aim is to work with customers and industries to find solutions to their everyday issues and this is just one example of how we have achieved this."