Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital

Opened in 2015, the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) is England’s first purpose-built specialist emergency care hospital, offering a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service for patients from across the north-east experiencing a variety of acute medical crises.

To conduct the comprehensive lighting refit across the site, Thorlux project managers worked closely with the Trust Capital Projects team, operational and clinical leads, to ensure minimal disruption to patients and staff over a multi-stage installation. Over 4,000 traditional fluorescent light fittings were replaced with modern LED fittings as part of a programme spanning seven months. Thorlux has extensive experience in the healthcare sector and has provided an energy-efficient, intelligent lighting scheme integrated into the existing building control system. Thorlux managed the commissioning to ensure new fittings were set up and operational on the same day as they were installed.

Wards and patient recovery areas demand a high level of cleanliness and hygiene; for this reason, Cleanline recessed luminaires with low-glare diffusers have been used in these areas. The tamper-proof cover and FDA-approved silicone gasket help ensure the luminaire remains hygienic. Extensive installation trials were carried out with the hospital's infection control team to ensure the installation met with their exacting standards. Additionally, nearly 400 Medica bedhead luminaires have been installed, providing essential lighting for staff (compliant to BS EN 60598-2-25) and a comfortable level of light for patients.

Corridor lighting in healthcare settings demands priority consideration for patient wellbeing; luminaires mounted directly overhead will subject patients on trolleys to uncomfortable glare. Thorlux used Radiance Corridor off-centre luminaires with asymmetric distribution to avoid this. Away from patient areas, essential backroom and plant-area lighting is provided using durable, IP-rated Thoroproof linear luminaires – a tried, proven solution for these applications.