Rooyse Wissel

With its new building, Rooyse Wissel now includes a Forensic Psychiatric Clinic (FPK), a department for Extra Secure Rooms (EBK), and the first purpose-designed Forensic High & Intensive Care (FHIC) unit in the Netherlands, featuring Security Level 4. This unique setup allows for a novel approach within the strict regulatory framework required. As a result, the clinic enables increased patient interaction, reducing incidents and shortening treatment durations.

The clinic's design revolves around four spacious courtyards on the ground floor, surrounded by three departments. One department is located on the first floor, along with therapy facilities, while offices and meeting rooms are on the second floor. A continuous corridor separates the courtyards from the rooms, ensuring direct and separate access to each department. The three FPK departments accommodate 28 patients. The FHIC department caters to six patients. Four modern EBK rooms replace the outdated segregation units previously used in the forensic care system.

Trailblazer

During the clinic's inauguration, Minister Sander Dekker highlighted the exceptional care provided by Rooyse Wissel and how the new building embodies its vision. He noted that the Netherlands is a global leader in forensic care, attracting specialists worldwide to observe its systems.

"Within this vision, Rooyse Wissel is particularly remarkable as it is the first facility with Forensic High & Intensive Care. [...] With such a unique approach comes a unique building. When there is turmoil in your mind, you need a stable environment. The design of Rooyse Wissel considers the psychology of its patients, with rounded forms and soothing colours and scents. This is real innovation, placing the Netherlands at the forefront."

Unique and Champions League level – this applies to the clinic, the staff, and the new building.

Sander Dekker, Minister for Legal Protection

A truly healthy Building

The principles of a Healing Environment are evident throughout the clinic. Patients experience a calming atmosphere with light and natural tones in all spaces. Large windows in private rooms, hallways, and living areas maximise natural light, positively impacting health and well-being. Even in areas with the highest security levels, daylight reaches the interiors, reducing stays and medication needs.

Observation workstations in secured areas are designed with views of greenery, reducing stress and perceived pain levels for both patients and staff. Natural imagery on walls and doors, along with live plants in living areas and patios, contribute to this effect. Rounded forms, pleasant sightlines, and warm materials create a sense of calm, increasing comfort for everyone in the clinic. Together, these factors promote a safer environment and faster recovery.

A walk through the new Rooyse Wissel facility

Personalised Spaces

Each patient’s room serves as their private sanctuary. Living rooms, by contrast, offer a space for communal activities, playing a vital therapeutic and social role. Patients and staff can cook, eat, watch TV, play games, or read together. Living rooms open directly onto patios, allowing patients to step outside for fresh air and sunlight. Workspaces, a sports hall, and an outdoor sports field provide further variety and opportunities suited to different recovery stages.

This building truly enhances the well-being and recovery of patients.

Hyacinthe van Bussel, Director of Rooyse Wissel

Innovative care concept and design

At Rooyse Wissel, the care concept prioritises contact between patients and therapists. This principle also guided the building’s design, where maintaining all security levels was essential. The architecture enables sociotherapists to work primarily within the departments rather than from distant offices.

Instead of traditional isolation, patients are welcomed into a friendly space where staff greet and guide them. This may lead to an extra secure room or a medium-high-care room, adaptable through flexible furniture to suit different needs. This design minimises the need for patients to move between rooms unnecessarily.

At Rooyse Wissel, care delivery and architecture complement one another, creating an environment where patients can focus on recovery and staff can provide optimal care.

^{Photography: Frank Hanswijk, Rob van Esch}

^{Video: Rooyse Wissel}