A continuous geared hinge/concealed deer closer combination has been used to create a safer, more comfortable environment in a specialist mother and baby unit at St Luke's hospital in Middlesbrough.

  The unit has been specifically designed to accommodate new mothers with post natal difficulties. As such, a number of factors have been taken into consideration to ensure that all areas are not only homely and less instifulionallsed, but also as safe as possible.

  The selection d hardware far doors was given careful attention by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, who turned to specialist door solutions company, Intastop, to provide the answer .The objective, to provide an effective anti-ligature solution whilst retaining a domestic atmosphere, was achieved using the company's anti-ligature continuous geared hinge in conjunction with Samuel Heath抯 Parka Powermatic, concealed door closer and selected anti ligature furniture

  The combination of the Perko Pawermafic, door closer and Intastap hinge also enhances accessibility within the unit; Parko Powermatic, meets the opening force recommendations of BS 8300 and Approved Document M, whilst the Intastop continuous hinge incorporates low friction bearings and distributes the door weight more effectively than standard hinges

  With the Intastop hinge running the entire length of the door, the Perko Powermatic, controlled, concealed door closer was able to be fitted at a position no mare than one meter from the bottom of the door .This, together with the hinge's special anti ligature tip and the fact that the closer is totally concealed when the door is dosed.