DescriptionA Seclusion Room provides a safe space for the sole confinement of a distressed or agitated person requiring separation for short periods at any hour of the day or night on an involuntary basis.Hours of Operation24 hoursOccupancy1 patient as required; 1-2 staff as requiredAdditional Considerations~ The design of the Seclusion room should take into account future flexibility for conversion to another function (e.g. de-escalation room, sensory room, etc.) when services are able to phase out the practice of seclusion through changes in models of care.
~ Requirements for the selection of suitable finishes, hardware, fixtures and fittings of a type manufactured and marketed as tamper proof and anti-ligature (including any weight limits for load release for certain fixtures) must be confirmed at project level based on service requirements, patient safety policies, local design guidance, risk assessments and confirmation of operational models. This includes the door, door hardware, any engineering services outlets and any ceiling mounted fixtures and services. All tamper proof and anti-ligature items must be installed in accordance with their manufacturer's instructions. Anti-ligature fittings may require a performance solution to be provided for the room to meet accessibility requirements. This must be considered and addressed at project level to meet applicable legislation and standards (to be confirmed with the project accessibility and building code consultants).
~All glazing (including external windows) is to be Grade A safety glass to comply with AS/NZS 2208 and AS 1288. Toughened and laminated glass with a structural interlayer is recommended. Additional requirements for glazing are to be confirmed at project level to suit the specific mental health environment (i.e. non-acute, acute, intensive care). Jurisdictional requirements may require an increase in the thickness of the glass for a Seclusion Room.
~ Provision of a clear zone outside the seclusion room is required for safe access to the seclusion room for the patient and staff, staff observation, and to support consumer privacy and dignity. An observation window is required with height to suit observation from a seated position. Placement and size to be confirmed to maximise visibility to all areas of the room. A secondary observation window on an adjacent wall may be provided for improved visibility, dependent on layout.
~ Door is to be provided as an outward opening, single leaf (min 1200mm clear opening). Door and door frame to be designed with no sharp edges, and no element of the door hinges to protrude into the seclusion room. Doors must be fitted with robust door hinges, door support structure and electric strike security. Lock requirements to be confirmed at project level to suit local jurisdictional policies and operational service requirements. The door is to be robust and is to be designed so the consumer cannot open it or use any element of it for self-harm.
~ No sharp edges to any doors, door frames, window frames (external and internal) and corners are permitted within this room. All fittings should be flush. Floor, wall and ceiling construction must meet all relevant standards.
~ It is recommended that the door set is selected as a full assembly to ensure the leaf, frame and hardware are coordinated and meet all tamper proof, anti-ligature and anti-barricade requirements when used together.
~ Direct/close access to a toilet/ensuite may be required to suit jurisdictional policies. Design of door (e.g. hinged, sliding, etc.), access control and observation requirements are to be confirmed to inform inclusion of ensuite. Where direct access to a toilet/ensuite is provided from within the seclusion room, observation windows and an additional door for staff access may be required from the corridor.
~ Direct/close access to an external space may be considered to support future flexibility for use of this space as a de-escalation space.
~ An external outlook is desirable. Access to natural light is required. Controls for integral blinds to external windows to be located in the staff observation area.
~ Provision of a static camera within the seclusion room to connect to staff member in the observation area outside of the room may be considered subject to jurisdictional policies.
~ Robustness of finishes to be suitable for high impact. All finishes to be flush and not provide ligature points or sharp edges.
~ A clock must be located within the area outside the seclusion room and be visible from within the seclusion room (i.e. through the observation window or door vision panel).
~ Acoustic separation and treatment to be considered carefully to minimise disruption to other consumers, along with physical separation from communal (lounge and dining) and sleeping areas.
~ Room lighting must be dimmable and/or have controlled switching to allow for the provision of a low stimulus environment. Provision of lighting to provide sensory input as per therapeutic care plans may be considered based on service requirements and operational models.
~ Ceiling recessed speakers have been shown as optional depending on service requirements. Speaker connection requirements are to be confirmed if included. Music input is to be controlled from device in the staff observation area. Options for controls within the seclusion room to support self-regulation by consumers is subject to jurisdictional policies.
~ The ability for a patient and staff to communicate is required. Where this is not possible through the door, a two-way intercom within the seclusion room may be considered subject to jurisdictional policies.
~ Consider the location of wi-fi access points to ensure strong coverage is provided for mobile duress functions.
~ Air-conditioning vents/grilles are to be flush, and of the type manufactured and marketed as tamper proof and anti-ligature. Local temperature control to the staff observation area may to be considered.