Good quality lighting in the correct quantity for a given situation is demonstrated as having a significant positive effect on mood. In turn, mood can be an important determining factor in achieving positive medical outcomes.
The medical environment demands a particular performance from functional lighting. Apart from specific technical requirements in operating theatres, the general ambient lighting needs consideration to allow for examination, crash treatment and patient monitoring, for example during transport between departments.
Hospitals can be confusing and disorientating spaces. The majority of users, including patients and visitors, may be unhappy at being there and will be under some level of stress while in the facility. Lighting can be a significant element in creating way-finding markers to aid orientation and ease movement through the building, particularly where the strategy can be incorporated throughout a new or refurbished building. Lighting can also provide connections with the outside world and reference points to the passage of time. This can be easily lost within large buildings housing enclosed corridors.
Different users of a building will have different requirements. For a successful lighting scheme all of these should be considered and balanced. Patients need comfortable, mood enhancing spaces to further medical outcomes and encourage consideration of the facility for future elective treatments. Visitors as well as patients appreciate an environment that is easy to navigate, un-stressful and comfortable. Positive experience as a visitor may encourage people to request or recommend admission to the facility in the future. Staff also require consideration. Retention of quality medical and nursing staff is a key issue in the current healthcare environment. Consideration of both working and off-duty areas for staff will assist in making them feel valued in their workplace.
Building operations are also an important factor in our design approach. Good lighting design contributes significantly to reducing energy use, particularly in air-conditioned areas. Maintenance is given careful consideration. Hospital buildings are by nature in use twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week. Maintainability must be designed-in to minimise intrusion or interruption of the normal day-to-day operation of the hospital.