Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley
Uplights down glare
Good hospital lighting is not simply a question of using stereotyped arrangements of lights and increasing lighting levels. It is matching a system to particular requirements.
An extension by part of the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, provides an excellent example.
Good hospital lighting is not simply a question of using stereotyped arrangements of lights and increasing lighting levels. It is matching a system to particular requirements. An extension by part of the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, provides an excellent example.
The main circulation thoughfares, also known as hospital streets, experience relatively busy traffic with the constant conveyance of patients on trolleys and wheelchairs – so that a basic requirement for the lighting system was that it should be glare free and avoid centrally mounted fittings as the visual disturbance of moving under alternating high and low brightness is undesirable.
The solution was to position the luminaires to one side of the corridor and in a further refinement employ pelmet mounted lighting. Thorn Arrowslim Connect fluorescent fittings were installed which plug together to give a continuous chain of pleasing, comfortable light. Because the light is produced indirectly, by reflecting light from the ceiling, there are no problems of glare.
In the new installation attention is also paid to direction signs, emergency lighting and making sure that the far ends of the corridors are well lit. A lighting control system operates and clever window design makes excellent use of available natural daylight.
Lead contractor for the project was Sir Robert McAlpine and electrical installation was by Drake & Scull.
