Background

An NHS Mental Health Trust in the northwest undertook a substantial safety and refurbishment programme across three hospital sites. The work spanned nine inpatient wards, all of which presented their own complexities, ranging from standard mental health settings to older people’s mental health, memory and later-life care, learning disability wards, and other specialist behavioural environments.

Contour was appointed to supply and install 253 DeepClean Extra anti-ligature radiator guards, tailored for these safety-critical settings. The wards remained operational during the project, meaning clear coordination and minimal disruption were vital. In total, if the guards were placed side by side, they would cover over 508 linear metres of wall space.

Challenges  

1. Varied and high-risk environments

The project spanned multiple care pathways, from acute psychiatric to dementia and learning disability services. Each ward presented a different level of risk, and every installation had to consider potential for ligature points, tampering, and damage.

2. Live ward installations

Access to patient bedrooms and communal areas was sensitive and had to be coordinated with clinical teams. Work needed to be scheduled flexibly around patient needs, often on short notice.

3. Logistical complexity across three sites

The project required delivery and installation at multiple hospitals, including the management of waste removal, skip hire, and temporary storage containers.

4. Legacy infrastructure issues

In several areas, outdated anti-ligature radiator covers were found to have been poorly maintained or dangerously adapted, such as pop reviting a secondary mesh to the under side of the grille in a attempt to make it more secure. This unintentionally created further ligature points.

5. Unusual guard requirements

A number of bespoke designs were needed, including floor-to-ceiling guards, wall-to-wall installations, and a corner unit in a dining area where we replaced a continuous cover with a smarter, combined setup of guards and pipe boxing for improved aesthetics.

Solution

Contour’s DeepClean Extra radiator guards were selected for their proven anti-ligature properties, strength, and full accessibility for cleaning. 253 anti-ligature radiator guards were installed across 9 wards on 3 hospital sites.

Key features

  • Anti-ligature design with sealed fixings and tamper-resistant construction

  • IP3X rated anti-ligature grilles to prevent the passing of contraband or insertion of items

  • Anti-pick mastic sealing for all edges and wall interfaces

  • Full access for cleaning - the DeepClean Extra design allows internal access without compromising integrity

  • Tailored sizing and configurations, including large-scale, continuous units and awkward layouts

Contour managed and oversaw the installation from end to end, working closely with its trusted installation partners to ensure a consistent standard of workmanship. Any changes to the programme or on-site challenges were addressed swiftly, with minimal disruption to ward operations

Highlights

  • Total of 253 guards installed

  • Spanned 508 linear metres of guard coverage

  • Installed across nine active inpatient wards

  • Multiple guard types and configurations, adapted for space and care needs

  • Managed logistics for skip hire and temporary storage

  • Close coordination with ward staff, supporting flexibility and patient dignity

  • Follow-on orders placed for additional areas, including seclusion rooms and a 136 Suite

Conclusion

This multi-site project demonstrates Contour’s capacity to deliver at scale while maintaining the precision, care, and adaptability needed in mental health environments.

Contour's team worked closely with on-site staff to manage safety, access, and logistics without impacting patient care. The project addressed serious safety concerns, delivered fully sealed but accessible heating protection, and ultimately enhanced both security and aesthetic standards across a complex NHS estate.

Since completion, the Trust has continued to place further orders, a testament to the quality of both product and service delivered.