The concept of installing window blinds in a mental health care facility, where the potential risk of self-harm or suicide is already at a heightened level, may seem counter-intuitive on the face of it. However, anti-ligature blinds have been painstakingly developed to ensure the risk of a lethal ligature point is severely decreased, thwarting many attempts of self-harm. It is an NHS requirement that items suspended on load-release support systems should be maintained and load-tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on an annual basis. The YewdaleKestrel ®system’s performance remains constant even after repeated use. It is a requirement, however, to carry out a physical inspection and testing of YewdaleKestrel ®fittings to identify any possible damage or evidence of tampering and undertake an annual load test. Annual testing should only be carried out by Protects Plus 0345 646 0955. Safety Note

The very nature of some mental illnesses being treated within these environments is itself a factor which leads to long periods of isolation, combined with high-functioning intelligence and tenacious behavioural tendencies allows some patients to find ligature points in places and items one would never have considered as a risk before.Two small but very strong neodymium magnets (with screws) which are to be fitted to the wall or window frame at your chosen position. Magnetic bracelets give you more energy. Speeding up blood flow allows you to rest your heart, since less fluid will need to be scalded under the body. This means that the flow of blood will be more efficient and the heart will need to work less. Because of the improved blood flow and less heart effort, you’ll feel better and more energetic. Ordinary daily items like floss can be tied to a door as an attempted ligature point, bed sheets and clothing tied to create a noose and (as previously reported here), the ripping out of hardwired fire alarms and their wires from the ceiling to provoke electrocution or to form a ligature point. The robustness and quality levels of anything that goes into those environments, therefore, need to be made to the highest standards. The Magnetic Hold Downs consist of steel discs which arebefitted to the bottom of the blind and magnets which are fitted to the wall or window frame. The discs and magnets simply attract to each other, holding the bottom of the blind in place. YewdaleKestrel® anti-ligature window blinds are among the most used systems in the industry. This can be attributed to the simplicity and ease-of-use of these systems. If they are pulled down, they are reattached in seconds.

The high-quality, extra strong magnets ensure a secure hold. Thus, even in unusual places, you can create an oasis.Yewdale supply roller blinds and vertical blinds with a choice of mechanisms within our YewdaleKestrel® range. These are known as the KR20 Sidewinder, KR20C crank operated blind and the KR20S spring operated roller blind and KVL31 premium wand vertical blind. Two small steel discs (with screws) which are to be fitted to the rear of the blind at each end of the bottom bar.