Every space is designed in a special way to suit its needs and fulfill its purpose. Similarly, healthcare spaces and hospitals have unique requirements when it comes to their design—whether it’s interiors, lighting, functionality, or the purpose they serve. It is essential to give special attention to these aspects and explore effective ways to make your hospitals or healthcare units more people-friendly. Similarly, when it comes to hospital lighting, the approach must not only emphasize healthcare facility design but also focus on patient well-being, staff performance, and operational efficiency. Below are key considerations for effective hospital lighting:
1. Healing Environment
- Lighting is not just about illumination; it creates a healing environment, ensures safety, and enables medical staff to perform intricate tasks like surgeries effectively.
- Hospital lighting systems should be carefully planned with professional guidance, keeping in mind the needs of patients, staff, and the overall functionality of the facility.
2. Natural Light
- Natural light is vital for patient recovery, promoting circadian rhythm regulation and aiding the healing process.
- Features like windows, skylights, and proper bed placement maximize exposure to sunlight, creating a positive healing environment.
- Studies show that patients exposed to natural light or sunlight recover faster and show better results compared to those without access.
3. Emergency Lighting
- Hospitals must have a resilient emergency lighting system to ensure continuous illumination during power outages or emergencies.
- This includes backup lighting for emergency exits, corridors, and critical care units to maintain visibility and safety at all times.
4. Task-Oriented Lighting
- Precise lighting is essential for medical procedures, examinations, and surgeries.
- Lights used in operation theaters and labs should provide focused, shadow-free illumination to ensure accuracy and prevent errors during procedures.
5. Energy Efficiency
- Hospitals operate lighting systems on a large scale, making energy-efficient solutions like LED lighting critical.
- LEDs not only reduce energy consumption but also have a longer lifespan and deliver better quality lighting.
- Energy-efficient lighting reduces operational costs and contributes to environmentally sustainable practices in healthcare.
6. Infection Control
- Lighting fixtures should have smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and sanitize, ensuring infection control and maintaining a sterile environment.
7. Color Temperature
- The right color temperature enhances visual comfort and clarity in healthcare settings.
- Warmer color temperatures (~3000K) are recommended for patient areas to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
- Cooler temperatures (~4000K) are suitable for task-oriented areas like operation theaters for better visibility and precision.
8. Signage and Navigation Lighting
- Properly illuminated hospital signage, including directional signals, floor indicators, and room names, is critical for efficient navigation in large hospital complexes.
- Consistent lighting across corridors and signages contributes to a user-friendly environment.
9. Advanced Lighting Controls
- Smart lighting systems provide flexibility to adjust lighting based on activities, time of day, and preferences.
- Remote-controlled lighting settings enhance operational efficiency and allow healthcare authorities to manage lighting as per specific needs throughout the day.
What is the required illuminance levels in hospitals?
The required level of illuminance in hospitals varies according to the space and purpose. While some areas might need more bright light, some need focused lighting with certain undertones to carry out the work efficiently.
- Common Areas like corridors and doorways typically need 100 lux as they are primary areas that see a lot of visitors.
- Nursing stations on the other hand need to be brighter as important functions are carried out there and should be 150-300 lux.
- Operating theatres not only need focused lighting, but also higher illumination that could go up to 10000 lux for specialized work. 300 lux is the minimum for OTs as precise operations need to be performed and can be impacted if lighting is poor.
- Pharmacies can have up to 500 lux.
- Wards have lower illumination at night, around 50 lux and 200 lux during the day. The illumination in wards have to be soothing for better recovery. Patient rooms need to have lighting levels as needed by the patients and nursing staff.
What Lights to Use in Hospitals?
Though the impact of light on health is still being explored, there is no denying that light can play a huge role in recovery. Artificial light that is adjusted to the patients’ needs and paired with balanced room acoustics results in deep sleep that can improve recovery.
- Use Tunable Light
These lights adapt to the activity or time of day by smoothly shifting the colour temperature as needed. These lights help bring balance in the day-night routine and calm them circadian rhythm.
Shop for smart lights here
- LED Lights
LED can be bought as indirect or direct modules that enable a pleasant spatial effect as well as targeted use.
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- Ceiling Lights
Celling lights are fundamental for alleyways, wards and public spaces. They can be of different power and add a much-needed brightness to the hospital.
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- Exterior Lights
Exterior lights for the walls, surface and lampposts are important to keep the hospital perimeter safe and secure.
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If you are looking for more lights that can help make your hospital a more functional and a true recovery space, get in touch with us and we will arrange a call with our specialist to guide you better.