Due to open in 2023 and designed by IBI Group, the purpose-built New Douglas Bennett House will house acute adult inpatient services in eight wards, including four specialist wards and a psychiatric intensive care unit.

Deanestor Managing Director, William Tonkinson, said: “We are seeing an increase in enquiries for mental health projects and have considerable experience in this specialist area, particularly in compliance, specification detailing for these types of facilities, and in developing robust technical solutions whilst creating a welcoming and comfortable patient environment.”

“We are pleased to be working with Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine again and are looking forward to contributing to this project which is helping to modernise mental healthcare in London.”

Deanestor will be manufacturing bespoke furniture for 132 patient bedrooms over five floors, including wardrobes, desks, shelves, and bedside cabinets. This furniture is designed to be robust and heavy duty, using 22mm laminated MDF and recessed handles. The furniture is machined and pre-assembled in the factory for a strong finish, using counter-sunk, anti-tamper screw fittings in patient areas.

Around 3,000 items of furniture and fittings will be installed by Deanestor, including items designed to an anti-ligature specification, such as curtain tracks, window blinds, and stainless-steel dispensers and soap dishes in the ensuite bathrooms. Mirrors in the ensuites and bedrooms are made from polycarbonate.

Deanestor is also manufacturing and installing 10 stainless steel kitchens – two on each floor – and furniture for dirty and clean utilities, and ancillary facilities for staff such as offices and lounge spaces.

As part of the design development process and Deanestor’s early engagement in the project, two sample rooms were developed and fitted out at the hospital for the assessment of the furniture specification and patient environment by the Trust.