Case Study: Sensory Room at the Bluestone Unit – Craigavon Hospital

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Introduction

Creative Activity recently partnered with the Bronte Ward at the Bluestone Unit in Craigavon Hospital, Northern Ireland, to deliver a bespoke sensory room designed to support adults with mental health conditions. The sensory environment now plays a critical role in the ward's therapeutic offering, benefiting both patients and staff alike.

Background

The Bronte Ward provides specialist treatment and support for adults facing a range of mental health challenges. The team recognised a gap in their current provision - a dedicated, calming space where patients could de-escalate, self-regulate, and take time out during moments of distress. After exploring the potential benefits, the team identified a sensory room as a transformative addition to their environment.

The Challenge

Prior to installation, the ward had no designated sensory space. Staff saw a clear need for a supportive, non-clinical setting that could offer patients an alternative method of calming during times of crisis, particularly for individuals who struggle with verbal communication or require a safe environment to regulate their emotions.

The ward also wanted to ensure the space could serve dual purposes: offering therapeutic value for patients while also helping staff build stronger, more empathetic relationships with those in their care.

The Solution

Creative Activity worked closely with the Bronte Ward team and nurses to design a sensory room that met both their clinical and emotional needs. From the initial consultation, the process was seamless:

• Site Visit & Consultation: Our team visited the hospital to assess the space, understand patient needs, and recommend suitable equipment.

• Tailored Design: We proposed a layout and product selection that would best support mental health de-escalation and emotional regulation.

• Efficient Installation: The room was installed within just a few days, minimising disruption to hospital operations.

The final design included  a calming bubble tune and Causeway module, fibre optic cables, starry carpet, a range of sensory mirrors, tactile panels, projector, vibrating bumpas and a rocker - creating a peaceful and therapeutic retreat within the ward.

Results

The sensory room is already having a profound impact:

• For Patients: Staff have observed significant benefits in a short time. The space offers patients a peaceful environment to relax, self-soothe, and take time away from the busy ward. In some cases, it has provided an effective alternative to medication during moments of crisis.

• For Staff: The room has become a valuable tool for staff to build rapport and communicate more effectively with patients. It’s helped them better understand individual needs and tailor support accordingly - especially during difficult or emotionally charged moments.

• Process Experience: The Bronte Ward team praised the collaborative and efficient process with Creative Activity, noting the helpful guidance in product selection and the speed of installation.

Feedback 

"The process of working with Creative Activity has been really seamless. They came down, measured the room, recommended the correct equipment, and it was fitted within a few days. It’s been really beneficial, and I would highly recommend working with them in the future—especially for anyone considering a sensory room or identifying a need for one."

 

– Katie Gardiner, Mental Health Nurse

Feedback 

"The process of working with Creative Activity has been really seamless. They came down, measured the room, recommended the correct equipment, and it was fitted within a few days. It’s been really beneficial, and I would highly recommend working with them in the future—especially for anyone considering a sensory room or identifying a need for one."

 

– Katie Gardiner, Mental Health Nurse

Start Your Sensory Journey

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