Section 136 Suite: Feasibility Study

The first step was to understand what a safe and therapeutic Section 136 environment needed to provide. Health Spaces worked with the Trust to consider the needs of service users, clinical teams and the wider hospital estate. The design had to support assessment, observation, privacy, dignity, staff safety and secure movement through the building, while also responding to the very specific standards required for mental health facilities.

The brief needed to balance several priorities. The Trust required a facility that could be delivered quickly using modern methods of construction, but the building still had to be robust, safe and appropriate for people in crisis. This meant carefully considering ligature risk, blind spots, observation, secure doors and windows, privacy, ventilation, lighting, infection prevention, access to outdoor space and the safe movement of emergency vehicles. The location and access strategy were also important. The entrance and drop-off area needed to allow ambulances to arrive, turn and leave safely, while maintaining privacy and security for service users.

This early work helped define the challenge clearly: the design needed to avoid feeling institutional, while still meeting the operational, safety and security requirements of a Section 136 suite.

With the requirements understood, the design focused on creating a safe, calm and practical environment for service users, staff and visitors.

The proposed modular facility included two assessment bedrooms with en-suites and observation areas, secure courtyards, a visitor room, staff kitchenette, break-out area and toilet facilities. The layout was developed to support secure movement through the building, with service users entering through an airlock and moving towards the assessment rooms in a clear and controlled way.

Safety and dignity shaped the design. Corridors were designed with generous width and height, with curved walls to reduce sharp edges and support smoother movement through the space. The assessment rooms and visitor spaces were designed with natural light, fresh air and views towards greenery, helping to create a calmer atmosphere during assessment.

The design also considered the specific risks associated with mental health environments. Furniture, fixtures and fittings were specified to be anti-ligature and anti-tamper, while materials were selected to be durable, easy to clean and appropriate for a secure healthcare setting.

Secure courtyards formed an important part of the design. These spaces were developed to provide access to fresh air and natural surroundings while maintaining privacy, dignity and safety. Anti-climb fencing, secure boundaries and carefully selected planting were used to balance therapeutic benefit with security requirements.

The external design responded to the surrounding estate, using natural finishes and an earthy, neutral colour palette to sit comfortably alongside the existing red brick building. The aim was to create a facility that felt calm and considered, rather than cold or institutional.