Community hospital emergency departments have experienced an alarming spike in behavioral health (BH) cases recently, partly due to the rise in opioid misuse. For Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, Conn., architect Shepley Bulfinch designed an ED that can be quickly closed off to segregate and secure a dedicated BH component.
The unit has five specially designed rooms that are ligature-proof and have no fixtures that can be used to inflict harm. The walls are made of impact-resistant drywall. A metal door can be rolled down to secure the headwall and lighting fixtures. Televisions are embedded and shielded with nonbreakable polycarbonate panels.
The sinks are securely anchored to the walls and have no sharp edges. Lighting is tamper-proof and anchored so that it cannot be dismantled. HVAC registers meet non-ligature requirements and have no sharp angles or corners. Each room has a hidden camera.
Shepley Bulfinch specified doors made of Acrovyn, which has a rich maple look but can tolerate abuse. Doors to the unit have card-only access. They can be left on magnetic “hold open” mode when the unit is not being used for BH segregation.
Delayed-egress controls give staff 20 seconds to assess the situation in case of fire or other emergency. Doors in the unit open outward so patients cannot barricade themselves in the rooms.
The Building Team for the project, led by Shepley Bulfinch, included Souza True & Partners (SE), BVH Integrated Services (MEP), Source Atlantic (medical equipment planner), Brown Sardina (landscape architect), and Downes Construction Co. (construction manager).
Related Stories
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Concrete | Jan 24, 2023
Researchers investigate ancient Roman concrete to make durable, lower carbon mortar
Researchers have turned to an ancient Roman concrete recipe to develop more durable concrete that lasts for centuries and can potentially reduce the carbon impact of the built environment.
Sponsored | Resiliency | Dec 14, 2022
Flood protection: What building owners need to know to protect their properties
This course from Walter P Moore examines numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs before delving into the flood protection process. Determining the flood resilience of a property can provide a good understanding of risk associated costs.
Giants 400 | Nov 14, 2022
4 emerging trends from BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report
Regenerative design, cognitive health, and jobsite robotics highlight the top trends from the 519 design and construction firms that participated in BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
AEC Tech Innovation | Mar 9, 2022
Meet Emerge: WSP USA's new AEC tech incubator
Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator.
Great Solutions | Jan 18, 2022
Researchers develop concept for rechargeable cement-based batteries
Researchers from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, have created a concept for rechargeable batteries made of cement. The concept involves a cement-based mixture with small amounts of short carbon fibers added to increase conductivity and flexural toughness.
Great Solutions | Nov 22, 2021
Drywall robots take the risk out of the finishing process
Canvas is using robots to complement the work already being done by drywall professionals.
Great Solutions | Sep 23, 2021
Seattle looks to become America’s most walkable city with a new citywide wayfinding system
Seamless Seattle will support the Seattle Department of Transportation’s commitment to increase the percentage of trips made by walking to 35% by 2035.
