Ordering and Status
For pricing, complete the RFQ at the link above.
How does SSPD reduce opportunities for suicide?
SSPD prevents the use of interior doors or shower curtains from being used as anchoring points for inpatient suicide. The magnetic hinges will not sustain sufficient weight for a length of time adequate to allow self-harm.
What are appropriate uses for SSPD?
SSPD can be used to replace interior doors, shower curtains, and stall doors. It can provide privacy in areas where it is not currently possible. SSPD cannot be used to replace a locked door or doors required by fire code. Applications include psychiatric hospitals, prisons, youth centers and assisted living centers.
How do patients react to the installation of SSPD?
There are sometimes complaints during the initial installation, particularly from patients who were accustomed to full-sized, wooden doors. With patient turnover, complaints decrease. In fact, some patients are eager to receive SSPD because of the artwork, and look forward to swapping out doors periodically for a change of scenery.
What are the Dimensions, how is it installed?
SSPD weighs about five pounds. The standard length is 58 inches, the same as most bathroom stalls. This allows the patient's head and feet to be viewed from the outside. Shorter or longer lengths may be accomodated. Width varies based on the width of the existing door or shower stall opening. In most cases, SSPD is sized and installed to overlap the existing door frame opening by 1 1/2" to 2", allowing the Velcro closure to affix to the exterior of the door frame. The magnetic hinges affix to the interior of steel door frames. Steel plates are provided for installation on tile, dry wall or other surfaces to which magnets will not affix.
Some shower stalls are wider than 42 inches, in which case we suggest a "saloon style" door consisting of 2 doors that come together in the middle of the shower stall. The two doors overlap each other in the center by 1 1/2" to 2", where they are secured with a Velcro closure.
We will size the SSPD appropriately for you when we receive your request for a quote. Simply provide the measured width of the existing door or opening.
How important is the artwork?
Most psychiatric hospitals do not have artwork due to safety concerns. Acute units are particularly devoid of visual stimulation. The artwork on the SSPD is large, beautiful and calming. Doors of similar size can be rotated for novelty.
The reaction to the artwork by patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients are excited to have SSPD in their environment, both for the beauty, and for the feeling of personalized space. If, however, a patient reacts negatively, SSPD is easily removed or changed out for a different scene or an SSPD without art.
One SSPD user reported a patient reaction to artwork in which the patient removed the door and cocooned beneath it to “be inside the picture”. In this case, a normally agitated patient was soothed for hours in this position, and was safe, without any damage to structures or self. A patient who may not be safe with blankets can safely receive some comfort and privacy from SSPD.
What are some of the benefits realized where SSPD is in use?
If there is an event, it is easy to rip the door off and set it aside. There is nothing in the way, like a traditional door or shower curtain. It makes it easy to assist the patient, and the patient can be positioned on the door like a mat instead of on the floor. Also, clean up from an event is simple...just replace the door on its Velcro hinges.
- There is no way for patients to lock staff out.
- If the door is tossed, or used as a weapon, it is not heavy enough to inflict any damage.
- Acute units never have art in patient rooms or bathrooms. Now they can.
- SSPD is far easier to clean than shower curtains. Also, in cases when staff needs to remove doors or curtains for certain patients, SSPD is far easier to take down and replace.
What does Housekeeping staff think?
Housekeeping staff prefers working with SSPD because it is easier to clean and disinfect than traditional curtains and doors. SSPD users have noticed that housekeeping staff simply remove SSPD and set it aside each time they clean. This allows easier access and faster cleaning than dealing with curtains and spaces behind traditional doors.
How durable is SSPD?
SSPD uses a type of industrial mesh thread combined with sewing techniques that make it virtually indestructable. The magnets and filler material are safely encapsulated.
Kennon Products, Inc.
Sheridan, WY
Phone 307.674.6498
Toll Free 800.356.0809
sales@suicideproofing.com
