Hinchingbrooke Hospital - Huntingdon
Hinchingbrooke Hospital is a 304-bed general hospital located in Huntingdon. The Huntingdon Treatment Centre, built in 2005, is a state-of-the-art building attached to the main hospital, supporting over 150,000 patients a year.
The Treatment Centre was awarded the NHS Innovation Award in the Design and Build category. To maintain these high standards, the lighting system was upgraded, using Tamlite Lighting luminaires.
The Hospital is managed by Kier Group, who recognised that a high-quality lighting system would deliver significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency. Additionally, it would bring reduced maintenance costs and an improved environment for both patients and staff.
Lighting for Healthcare
The treatment rooms in hospital, such as the X-Ray rooms, dental rooms and plastic surgery room, were fitted with low glare panels. This ensured that patients are not dazzled as they look up at the ceiling while receiving treatment.
The corridors and wards were also fitted with panels, replacing the previous fluorescent tube fittings. Michael Dean, Contract and Technical Services Manager at Kier Group, said, “It was key that recessed panels were installed, as these could be easily wiped down to prevent the spread of infection.”
The quality of illumination has also been significantly enhanced throughout the building. The previous fittings gave a low colour temperature and poor light distribution. This resulted in shadowing and a dull level of illumination which was unpleasant environment for patients.
The upgrade led to a brighter, more comfortable patient experience. This included higher light output and colour temperature in the reception areas and entrance.
Reducing Costs
The number of fittings was cut down in the open reception areas, while still achieving the same light output. This lowered energy consumption throughout the site, and as a result will reduce ongoing energy costs.
In the corridors, the new luminaires are on for 24 hours a day, as the area is in constant use. Individual treatment rooms, however, were fitted with PIR control sensors, ensuring that the lighting is only used when required. Consequently, this will also deliver further energy efficiency.
Maintenance costs throughout the hospital will also be minimised following the installation of high-quality luminaires. The previous traditional fittings required regular maintenance to deal with flickering or broken lamps.
Michael Dean commented, “One of the main factors that made us choose Tamlite was the quality drivers for each fitting. This gave us the confidence that the luminaires would work as expected, and for the required duration.”
For more information on how we can provide the ideal lighting solution for your facility, visit healthcare lighting or alternatively contact a member of our team.
