How Are Call Buttons Used in Mental Health Settings?

Call buttons play a vital role in ensuring safety, dignity and a rapid response within mental health settings across the UK. Whether in psychiatric wards, supported accommodation or secure units, these systems are designed to support both patients and staff in a variety of situations.

What Are Call Buttons?

Call buttons are also known as nurse call systems or patient alarm systems. They are devices that allow patients to alert staff when they need help. They are usually located near beds or in bathrooms, or they are wearable as pendants. They send an alert to a central panel or a mobile device carried by staff. Even though a mobile phone has an emergency call function, they are not comparable to call buttons which offer peace of mind in health settings.

Call Buttons Empower Patients

In mental health settings, the balance between safety and patient independence is crucial. Call buttons empower patients to seek help voluntarily, whether they are feeling distressed, unwell or in the middle of a psychiatric episode. This access can prevent deterioration and ensures patients feel heard and supported. In high-dependency units or during periods of enhanced observation, staff may also have personal call alarms they can activate if a situation becomes unsafe. These could be used if a patient becomes aggressive or requires urgent medical care. If you require wireless WiFi call buttons for your workplace or healthcare setting, you can contact companies such as dinggly.com/products/wireless-call-buttons to view the range of products.

Call Systems Are Adapted for Mental Health Environments

Anti-ligature call buttons are commonly used to prevent self-harm. In some high-risk areas, access to call buttons might be managed differently. The buttons could be placed in communal areas or only enabled under staff supervision. Once a call is activated, staff receive alerts and they can then respond. Some systems log response times. In emergency situations, this can be lifesaving. Above all, call buttons promote dignity by allowing patients to ask for help. They are a key part of patient-centred care, helping to build trust, reduce unnecessary restraint and maintain good relationships.