Supporting Accessibility and Dignity in Healthcare Design
The new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds, has opened its doors. It marks a major milestone in accessible healthcare design and research for people living with motor neurone disease (MND). Em-B Solutions called on its experience in architectural ironmongery for healthcare to deliver a prohect that works well and looks good too.
Designed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in collaboration with patients, clinicians, and the wider MND community, the centre provides a purpose-built environment that brings all MND services under one roof for the first time. Em-B Solutions supplied all of the architectural ironmongery and door hardware for the project. As a result, the centre delivers consistent levels of accessibility and safety across every part of the building.
Em-B Solutions supplied all of the architectural ironmongery and door hardware for the project, helping to ensure that the centre also delivers both accessibility and safety.
Accessible Door Hardware for Patient Safety and Comfort
Every aspect of the centre’s design supports patient comfort, accessibility and dignity. For people living with MND, movement and communication can become increasingly complex. Therefore, door hardware plays a vital role in maintaining independence and safety.
From easy-to-operate handles to carefully calibrated closers and fully accessible automatic systems, the architectural door hardware package meets strict performance and usability standards. Each component contributes to a calm, barrier-free environment. As a result, patients, families and clinicians can move easily and safely between therapy rooms, clinical spaces and social areas.
Durability was also essential. The building will be in constant use by staff, patients and visitors. For this reason, the team selected long-life products with low maintenance requirements to ensure consistent performance over time.
Design Partner Collaboration
Working with the project team at main contractor I&G Group, Em-B Solutions provided technical guidance throughout specification and installation. The company has long experience in architectural ironmongery for healthcare, so it was able to help the team meet the requirements of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and align the hardware schedule with the centre’s accessibility goals.
This need for accessibility, hygiene and durability informed the architect’s design vision. Stylish yet simple bespoke black door furniture, made by Instinct Hardware, sets off tall oak veneer doors with large vision panels to maximise natural light. The hardware was chosen for its quality. It is designed to be “fit and forget” for maximum robustness, with smooth lines for easy cleaning.
A Meaningful Project for the Whole Community
“Being part of this project has meant a great deal to everyone at Em-B,” said Philip Goldberg, Joint MD at Em-B Solutions. “The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease is a project that has touched so many people, not just in Leeds, but across the country and the whole world. Rob’s story and his determination to improve the lives of others have inspired us all, and we’re so happy to have contributed in a small way to such a meaningful cause.”
The Leeds Hospitals Charity’s fundraising appeal raised £6.8 million to make the centre a reality. As the first purpose-built facility of its kind, it brings together clinical care, research, education and holistic support within a single, fully accessible space. Patients can now access specialist nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and nutritionists, all in one location.
Learn more or donate to support the Rob Burrow Centre for MND
