Lighting for Healthcare

Forth Valley Royal Hospital

Thorn supply new Scottish hospital

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The new £300m Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, which started taking some of its first patients in August, is Scotland’s largest NHS construction project with 4,000 rooms and 16 theatres, and is lit by over 15,000 Thorn fluorescent luminaires. The scheme called for Thorn’s expertise because, unlike most interiors, a healthcare environment calls for equipment capable of withstanding stringent hygiene requirements and lighting specific tasks. For example, sealed Invincible fittings have been installed in the operating theatres and recessed single lamp asymmetric luminaires with solid optics illuminate the corridors, but not recumbent patients.

Using “corridorFUNCTION” electronic dimmable ballasts, the luminaires gradually dim to a lower light level if no movement is detected by the motion sensors, thus saving energy. As soon as someone enters the space the light is returned to its full level. The use of lighting controls also provides night-lighting, eliminating the need for auxiliary lamps.

Energy conscious Cruz 205 downlights (32W TC-TEL-I), including sealed IP54 versions, and recessed modular IndiQuattro fluorescents provide the primary light source in the circulation areas, restaurant, toilets, lecture theatre and meeting rooms. Lamp replacements in an installation such as this can be a costly and time consuming exercise and the decision to minimise the number of different types and wattages reduces complexity in installation and aids future replacement. 

As a result of the specialist nature of the project, there was close liaison between Thorn’s sales and development staff and the Laing O’Rourke (design and construct) consortium, incorporating Crown House Technologies as electrical constructor, and DSSR as consulting engineers. Thorn provided technical support in the form of 3D design renders, samples, plus “quick-fix” solutions ranging from ‘plug and play’ wiring to the ‘sec-lock’ holding arm, which retains the downlights – problem-free – in place.

The Project, won by Forth Health (a joint venture between John Laing and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia) and their partners Laing O’Rourke (design and construct) and Serco (hard and soft FM), was procured under the Government’s PPP Initiative.

The building will continue to accommodate transfers from Stirling and Falkirk Infirmaries, which will become community hospitals, until completion next summer.