Ligature resistant tapware and bathroom fixtures for a secure psychiatric intensive care unit
Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield, Victoria, is a high‑security forensic mental health facility operated by Forensicare. The Secure Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (SPICU) was developed to increase capacity and support the treatment of high‑risk patients requiring acute care. Designed as a secure yet therapeutic environment, the award-winning SPICU balances robust safety requirements with features that reduce institutional feel. Natural light, warm materiality and visual connections to outdoor spaces contribute to a calmer setting that supports patient wellbeing, while maintaining strict security and operational control.
Challenge
Designing bathrooms within a Secure Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit requires a careful balance between safety, durability and patient wellbeing.
Key project requirements included:
- Minimising ligature risks in high‑risk patient areas
- Ensuring fixtures withstand heavy use and potential vandalism
- Supporting a therapeutic, less institutional environment
- Meeting the stringent design expectations of secure mental health facilities
Solution
Galvin provided a coordinated range of ligature resistant tapware, drains and bathroom fixtures, complemented by Wallgate solid surface sanitaryware (pans and basins).
These products were selected for their proven suitability in secure mental health environments and their ability to support both safety and usability.
Key features and benefits:
- Ligature resistant design: Minimises potential attachment points to reduce risk
- Robust construction: Designed to withstand impact, tampering and intensive use
- Durable sanitaryware: Wallgate solid surface pans and basins enhance strength and longevity
- Ease of maintenance: Smooth, non-porous surfaces support efficient cleaning
- Therapeutic design support: Contributes to a more calming, less institutional bathroom environment
Outcome
The SPICU project delivered secure, functional and durable bathroom spaces tailored to the demands of forensic mental health care.
The specified tapware and bathroom fixtures demonstrated reliable performance in operation and effective installation, supporting the delivery of safe environments for both patients and staff.
With extensive experience in mental health and high‑risk environments, Galvin provides specialised tapware and bathroom fixtures that support safety, compliance and long‑term reliability in complex healthcare projects.
Key Data
Project start: March 2018
Project completion: October 2018
Location: Fairfield VIC 3078
Architect: DesignInc, MAAP
Value of overall project: $7M
Testimonial
"GalvinCare* tapware and drains, and Wallgate sanitary fixtures were specified throughout the Thomas Embling SPICU project. These products were selected for their high quality and unique design suitable for the project.
As project manager for the Thomas Embling SPICU project, we are pleased to confirm that the Galvin Mental Health products had demonstrated effective installation and soundness under operation. In addition, the Galvin team had always offered a fast and efficient response to any queries that were raised over the project.
The Wallgate solid surface pans and basins provided a unique design solution which met all our specification requirements: ligature-resistant design, smooth lines for ease of cleaning and infection control, colour contrasting seat and non-institutional appearance. We would have no hesitation recommending the Galvin ranges for future mental health facilities.
– Campbell Fletcher, Project Manager, Axis Services Victoria
*Note: brand name updated to reflect name change (former Safe-Cell®)
