Highfield Unit Extension

Sector:  Mental Health

Contractor:   Safehinge

Architect:  GBS Health

Project Size:  37 Doorsets

The Highfield Unit Extension (formerly the Meadow Unit) is a £19 million expansion of the Highfield Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Warneford Hospital in Oxford, commissioned by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. The project introduces an eight-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for young people aged 11 to 18 with acute mental health needs who require a more secure, low-stimulus environment than a general ward, increasing overall capacity from 18 beds. Designed to deliver specialised, high-quality care locally and reduce the need for out-of-area placements, the facility includes sensory rooms, a highly visible “fishbowl” nursing station, and dedicated learning and therapy spaces. Delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction with £4 million in support from NHS England, the extension operates alongside the Highfield Teaching Unit to ensure young patients can continue their education during treatment.

Design Overview

Doors:

Formica plain colour laminate.

256 x 1345mm vision panels with anti-ligature bead / anti-tamper screws.

Anti-barricade doorsets.

Transom closers.

Safehinge Alumax integral finger guard.

Frames / Architraves:

Hardwood primed frame with hardwood architrave.

Swiftstop anti-barricade steel frame.

Fire:

FD30s – FD60s.

Acoustic:

30dB.