Webinar summary

Introduction and Context

The webinar commenced with an introduction by Hannah Chamberlain, who set the stage for the discussions to follow. Drawing from her personal experience of loss due to suicide, Chamberlain underscored the critical need for safety assurance in mental health settings. She articulated the network’s unwavering commitment to addressing this pressing need and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in mental health environments.

Speaker Insights

Throughout the webinar, each speaker offered invaluable insights and perspectives, contributing to a rich and comprehensive discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with the Informed Choices testing standard. Here are some highlights from their presentations:

 Alison Moore: Moore shared a poignant anecdote illustrating the challenges faced in procuring reliable anti-ligature products. She emphasized the critical importance of standardized testing to ensure safety and efficacy, drawing from her firsthand experiences in the field.

Simon Adamson: Adamson provided a detailed overview of the collaborative efforts required between clinicians and procurement teams to ensure the selection of fixtures and fittings meeting rigorous safety standards. He underscored the importance of clear communication and collaboration in achieving this goal.

Susan Grant: Grant offered valuable insights into the process of establishing best practices with the standard, advocating for consistent product testing and certification. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework that ensures the highest standards of safety and quality in mental health environments.

Stephen Hatcher and Ben Lillywhite:Hatcher and Lillywhite delved into the challenges associated with specifying and recommending products in mental health settings. They highlighted the necessity of standardized testing for safety and quality assurance, underscoring the importance of reliable testing procedures in ensuring product efficacy.

Sean Taylor and Laura Critien: Taylor and Critien provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the development and implementation of the testing standard. They shared insights into the rigorous testing processes involved and highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in achieving testing objectives.

Kevin Gorman: Gorman shared his motivations for getting involved in the development of the standard, emphasizing the importance of consistent, reliable testing procedures in ensuring product safety and efficacy. He underscored the responsibility of manufacturers to prioritize safety and the benefits of ensuring product consistency and reliability.

Philip Ross: Ross underscored the significance of manufacturers undergoing testing, highlighting the responsibility to prioritize safety and the benefits of ensuring product consistency and reliability. He emphasized the need for manufacturers to take a proactive approach to testing and certification, underscoring the importance of ensuring product safety and efficacy.

Conclusion

The webinar concluded with a call to action for manufacturers and trusts to embrace the Informed Choices testing standard. Speakers reiterated the standard’s potential to improve safety and quality in mental health environments, emphasizing the importance of standardized testing procedures in ensuring product efficacy and reliability. They underscored the responsibility of all stakeholders to prioritize safety and the critical role of collaboration in achieving testing objectives. As the webinar drew to a close, participants were left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing safety and quality in mental health environments through the adoption of rigorous testing standards.