Henshaws Specialist College enhances student potential with specialist Gemini MX bath

For young people with complex disabilities and additional needs, access to safe and enjoyable bathing facilities can have a significant impact on wellbeing, educational achievement and quality of life. At Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate, the installation of a Gemini MX bath from Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions has transformed the bathing experience for students while supporting safer working practices for staff. Henshaws Specialist College provides education, therapy and residential support for young people aged 16–25 with a wide range of disabilities, sensory impairments and medical needs. Originally established to support people with visual impairments, the college has evolved into a highly specialised environment supporting students from across the UK. Around 60 students currently attend the college, with approximately 25 living on site within residential accommodation. Students benefit from tailored educational programmes, therapy support, life skills training and a wide range of sensory and community activities. According to Christina Dickinson, Lead Occupational Therapist at Henshaws, helping students achieve is central to the college’s ethos. “I enjoy working here because you see lots of progress with the students as we support them to meet their goals,” she explained.

Meeting more needs

As the needs of students at Henshaws have become more complex, the college identified the need for improved bathing provision within its residential facilities. The college already had an assisted bath elsewhere on site, but staff wanted a more versatile solution that could safely support a broader range of users – including semi-ambulant students who previously struggled to access specialist bathing equipment. “We wanted one for all residential students to use,” Christina explained. “The beauty of this bath in comparison with the other bath we’ve got is that this one opens up access to a wider range of bather abilities.” Unlike standard and other assisted baths that require users to lift legs, or have their legs lifted over the side, the Gemini MX enables students to sit comfortably on an integrated transfer platform before the bath sides and temperature-controlled water are raised.

The Gemini MX difference

The Gemini MX bath has provided Henshaws with a safe, inclusive and highly adaptable bathing solution, suitable for students with a wide range of physical and sensory needs. It is a multi-award-winning hi-lo platform bath with advanced assistive and antimicrobial technology:

Sensory wellness

Staff at Henshaws say the Gemini MX has delivered benefits far beyond hygiene and personal care. The bath has become an important therapeutic resource within the residential setting, which in turn aids learning through improved mood and focus. For students with complex needs, opportunities for calming sensory experiences can play an important role in emotional regulation.“For students with a high level of need, they might not necessarily get many opportunities to choose things they want to do or have sensory experiences,” Sarah Malone, occupational therapist, explained. “So I think it’s another element that adds to a better experience here at Henshaws. Plus the hydrotherapy-style benefits of the bath have also supported pain management for some students.” Julie Hampton, Therapy Technical Instructor, described the bath simply as “a nice, fun thing to do” for students who may not otherwise have access to these types of experiences. 

Promoting choice 

One of the most valued aspects of the Gemini MX has been its ability to offer students greater choice within their daily routines. Accessible bathing facilities are often overlooked in favour of shower-only solutions, particularly within publicly funded environments. However, staff at Henshaws believe maintaining access to bathing is essential for dignity, comfort and quality of life.

“It gives them a choice, not just a shower,” Sarah explained. “Some people do obviously prefer to have a bath.” The design of the Gemini MX has also enabled some students to participate more independently in bathing activities, helping build confidence and autonomy. “It’s not something they would necessarily get to do all the time, depending on what set-up they’ve got elsewhere,” Julie added. 

Safety for all

Reduced risk was another major factor in the college’s decision to install the Gemini MX. The integrated platform system reduces manual handling risks by enabling students to be safely positioned and immersed without carers physically lowering them into the bath.

“For me, it’s the increased peace of mind associated with bathing people with complex needs,” Sarah added. The therapy team worked closely with residential staff to develop detailed risk assessments and ensure safe use for individual students. The bath has also helped reassure staff supporting students with complex medical or epilepsy-related needs as it offers rapid drain and exit strategies.

Support excellence 

The Henshaws team praised the support provided by Abacus throughout the installation and training process. Before installation, staff were able to view a Gemini MX in an Abacus demonstration vehicle, helping them fully understand how the equipment would work within the college. “It was great to see the bath in action and to ask Steve from Abacus any clinical queries we had regarding student suitability,” Julie said. 

Following installation, Steve returned to provide additional demonstrations and staff training. “He came back out to provide a demonstration to all of the care staff on how to use the bath,” Christina explained. “He was very helpful, especially when we were completing the risk assessments for it.” Staff were particularly impressed by the advanced functionality of the equipment.

Tabitha Whitaker, student occupational therapist, added “It’s the first time I’ve seen a bath where you’ve got a platform to help with transfers. It’s fantastic to see there’s advanced inclusive equipment these days.” 

A conclusive success 

The Gemini MX bath has quickly become an important part of life at Henshaws Specialist College. By combining accessibility, safety, sensory engagement and therapeutic support, the bath has enhanced the overall wellbeing and educational potential of students while providing safe, person-centred care. For Henshaws, the Gemini MX bath is far more than a piece of specialist equipment – it is a solution that has opened up new opportunities for every student who uses it.