New Anti-ligature Radiator Covers Installed Across Multiple Hospitals
CONTOUR HEATING PRODUCTS LIMITED
Client: NHS Trust in the NorthwestProduct: DeepClean Extra Radiator GuardsScope: 253 radiator guards across 9 wards on 3 hospital sitesChallenges: Multiple complex environments, safety-critical installations, limited access windowsSolutions: DeepClean Extra guards with secure fitting, full interior access for cleaning, and tailored design adjustmentsOutcome: A robust, anti-ligature heating solution delivered across wards in active use, with patient safety and ease of maintenance prioritised throughoutBackgroundAn NHS Trust in the Northwest undertook a substantial safety and refurbishment programme across three hospital sites. The work spanned nine inpatient wards, all of which presented their own complexities, ranging from standard mental health settings to older people’s mental health, memory and later-life care, learning disability wards, and other specialist behavioural environments.Contour was appointed to supply and install 253 DeepClean Extra radiator guards, tailored for these safety-critical settings. The wards remained operational during the project, meaning clear coordination and minimal disruption were vital. In total, if the guards were placed side by side, they would cover over 508 linear metres of wall space.The Challenges1. Varied and High-risk EnvironmentsThe project spanned multiple care pathways, from acute psychiatric to dementia and learning disability services. Each ward presented a different level of risk, and every installation had to consider potential for ligature points, tampering, and damage. 2. Live Ward InstallationsAccess to patient bedrooms and communal areas was sensitive and had to be coordinated with clinical teams. Work needed to be scheduled flexibly around patient needs, often on short notice. 3. Logistical Complexity Across Three SitesThe project required delivery and installation at multiple hospitals, including the management of waste removal, skip hire, and temporary storage containers. 4. Legacy Infrastructure IssuesIn several areas, outdated anti-ligature radiator covers were found to have been poorly maintained or dangerously adapted, such as pop riveting a secondary mesh to the under side of the grille in a attempt to make it more secure. This unintentionally created further ligature points. 5. Unusual Guard RequirementsA number of bespoke designs were needed, including floor-to-ceiling guards, wall-to-wall installations, and a corner unit in a dining area where we replaced a continuous cover with a smarter, combined setup of guards and pipe boxing for improved aesthetics.Solution ImplementedContour’s DeepClean Extra radiator guards were selected for their proven anti-ligature properties, strength, and full accessibility for cleaning. Key features included: Anti-ligature design with sealed fixings and tamper-resistant constructionIP3X rated anti-ligature grilles to prevent the passing of contraband or insertion of itemsAnti-pick mastic sealing for all edges and wall interfacesFull access for cleaning- the DeepClean Extra design allows internal access without compromising integrityTailored sizing and configurations, including large-scale, continuous units and awkward layouts Contour managed and oversaw the installation from end to end, working closely with its trusted installation partners to ensure a consistent standard of workmanship. Any changes to the programme or on-site challenges were addressed swiftly, with minimal disruption to ward operationsProject HighlightsTotal of 253 guards installed,Spanned 508 linear metres of guard coverageInstalled across nine active inpatient wardsMultiple guard types and configurations, adapted for space and care needsManaged logistics for skip hire and temporary storageClose coordination with ward staff, supporting flexibility and patient dignityFollow-on orders placed for additional areas, including seclusion rooms and a 136 SuiteConclusionThis multi-site project demonstrates Contour’s capacity to deliver at scale while maintaining the precision, care, and adaptability needed in mental health environments. Our team worked closely with on-site staff to manage safety, access, and logistics without impacting patient care. The project addressed serious safety concerns, delivered fully sealed but accessible heating protection, and ultimately enhanced both security and aesthetic standards across a complex NHS estate. Since completion, the Trust has continued to place further orders, a testament to the quality of both product and service delivered.