Hospitals are 24/7 institutions and that means the lights are always on, regardless of the time of day or night. Energy-efficient LED lighting solutions in Ontario hospitals ensure that patients are comfortable and staff and staff can perform their jobs well. The fact is that hospitals spend millions of dollars on operational costs alone on an annual basis. Shortfalls in energy efficiency lead to higher utility expenditures. This can have a massive domino effect in terms of budget cuts. 

Energy-efficient lighting in the GTA can help to significantly offset some of the costs associated with running a hospital or medical facility. 

Why Hospitals Need Efficient Lighting Upgrades  

Hospitals and medical facilities across Ontario can benefit greatly from switching to LED lighting solutions. LED lights are far more energy efficient than standard fluorescent, halogen, or HDI lighting used in most facilities. Most hospital operating rooms have ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures along with movable surgical lighting that can be maneuvered and repositioned to illuminate operative sights on patients at different angles. 

Surgical lights are also used in other parts of the hospital, including:

• Emergency rooms
• Exam rooms 
• Labour, delivery, and recovery (LDR) rooms
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Outpatient departments
• Radiology 
• Nursing admin
• Laboratories
• Research facilities
• Waiting areas

LEDs are a suitable cost-saving, energy-efficient, luminous lighting solution that ensures exceptional visibility in all areas of a hospital or medical facility. Excellent lighting promotes better patient care and good health. High-quality lighting can help energize staff and patients alike so that the former can do their jobs better and the latter can focus on improving their health. 

LED lights provide a plethora of colour and dimming options that can be modified based on each patient’s specific needs and preferences. On top of that, bright lighting in various areas of the hospital improves staff satisfaction and productivity. 

What Are Some Ideal Lighting Fixtures for Hospitals and Senior Facilities? 

Unless you happen to be welcoming a new addition to the family, hospital stays or visits are typically associated with an illness or medical treatment. These are difficult situations that can have a negative impact on patients, their visitors, and even staff members—particularly in the midst of the pandemic. 

Ideal lighting fixtures for hospitals and senior care facilities include the following: 

Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions 

Energy-efficient LED lights have been proven to counteract and even reverse some of the negative impacts of being in a hospital for long periods of time. Research shows that bright high-quality lighting has the power to energize and uplift the spirits of patients and staff members alike. They also increase the accuracy and quality of patient care throughout various areas of healthcare facilities. 

Bright Lighting Levels  

Bright lighting in pivotal parts of the hospital such as exam rooms, ORs, labs, and research facilities enhance staff visibility and procedural accuracy. Low-quality lighting can negatively impact concentration levels and hinder alertness, which leads to more mistakes being made. High-quality energy efficient lighting solutions increase energy and alertness so staff members can perform their jobs better and improve the quality of patient care. 

Anti-Glare Lighting  

Hospital staff need to wear various forms of PPE including face coverings, plastic shields, and goggles on a regular basis—especially during the pandemic. To ensure that they’re able to work comfortably without any visual obstructions or glares, it’s important to install high-quality anti-glare lighting solutions. Patients who have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye disorders or diseases also benefit from anti-glare lighting. 

Cozy and Comforting Lighting Design 

Stress and tension levels can escalate very quickly in hospitals for patients, visitors, and staff members alike. The right lighting solutions can create a calming and comforting atmosphere in various parts of the hospital. Whether visitors are anxiously waiting for a health update about a loved one or a patient is being prepped for a major medical procedure, LED lighting can help alleviate some of the tension or at the very least, not add to it. 

Moderate Intensity Lights 

Different types of lights can have varying effects on the health and well-being of hospital patients and staff. Natural lighting has the most positive impact, but LED lights are a close second. LED lights feature different colour temperatures and intensities that can be made to mimic natural light. These lights and their various modifications have a calming, yet energizing effect on patients, staff, and visitors. They reduce eyestrain caused by insufficient or low-quality lighting and ensure that patients are receiving optimal care at all times. 

Top Benefits of LED Lighting Solutions for the Healthcare Industry 

High-quality energy efficient lighting can have a significantly positive impact on the healthcare industry as a whole. Lighting audits and installations should be performed by fully licensed and experienced electricians or engineers who specialize in working in healthcare facilities. Hospitals can reap the following rewards by making the switch to LEDs.

• Create a welcoming atmosphere. Hospital waiting rooms can be anxiety-inducing. LED lighting can help brighten up the atmosphere and make it feel cozier, inviting, and comforting to help ease jangled nerves.
• Customizable lighting options for patients. Waiting areas and patient rooms that are outfitted with state-of-the-art smart lighting technology allow patients to modify the lighting levels according to their needs and preferences. Whether they want low or bright lighting at any given time, this feature enhances the overall patient experience and gives them a little more peace of mind. 
• Bright lights improve the well-being of staff, patients, and visitors. LED lights consume low energy but provide optimal visibility. This enhances the overall patient and staff experience. Increased visibility reduces eyestrain and headaches or other physical discomfort that are often associated with it. 
• Illuminate the exterior with upgraded LEDs. Modern LED lights offer maximum outdoor illumination while minimizing energy consumption. This allows hospitals to remain fully operational during all hours of the day or night. 
• Save on maintenance costs. LED lights are extremely low maintenance and can reduce overall operational costs by up to 75%. They last anywhere from 20 to 30 years before needing to be replaced. 

Professional Lighting Distribution in Ontario 

Faraday Lighting provides professional lighting distribution services in Ontario for various industries, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities. We specialize in performing in-depth lighting audits and providing high-quality lighting solutions to our clients. Contact us today to learn more.