UZA Edegem

The department of neuro-, thorax and vascular surgery of the University Hospital Antwerp has since recently been beaming under new LED lighting. 'We were in search of attractive, energy-saving lighting that would at the same time provide the necessary comfort to patients and staff. Therefore we ended up with ETAP's LED+LENS^TM luminaires,' states Dirk De Man, head of department, Technical Service at the UZA. 'We are very pleased with the results and have received numerous positive reactions.'

The new lighting fits in with the department's general renovation. 'Each year we renovate two departments in our hospital. This time we took the plunge and went for the most current LED lighting,' says Dirk De Man. The new lighting obviously had to be standard-compliant and reliable. Furthermore it had to provide sufficient comfort to patients and staff. 'On the one hand, doctors and nurses must be able to perform their job in the best possible conditions. On the other hand, we want patients to feel at ease with us and, for example, not be blinded by the lighting. This was also a factor in our decision.' Even the choice of colour temperature appeared relevant for a hospital environment. 'We have consciously chosen coldwhite LEDs, which ensure optimal colour rendering for observing patients,' according to Dirk De Man.

Refined design

The design of the LED+LENS^TM luminaires was an additional argument. 'The fact that the luminaires have such a simple design and modern appearance is of course a welcome bonus. We get quite a few compliments about the new lighting, from both staff and patients,' adds Dirk De Man. The head nurse in the department, Vera Nauwelaers confirms: 'We are very pleased with the new luminaires. They bring a bit of design to the department and spread a pleasant light.' Dropping power consumption LED+LENS^TM luminaires stand out due to their high specific luminous flux and low power consumption. In addition, the luminaires are connected to the Excellum light control system, which provides suitable light control for every space. The luminaires in the corridor and staff rooms are controlled centrally and dimmable. Nurses' stations, offices and kitchen are fitted with motion sensors so that the light is only switched on when someone is present. Daylight sensors ensure that artificial light decreases as daylight increases. The luminaires in patient rooms are manually dimmable. Due to this combination of light control technologies the installation uses a whopping 62% less energy. However, the lower energy bill is not the only advantage: 'The fact that our patients can adjust their own lighting provides increased comfort and flexibility. The control knob is located near the bed so that they can choose the desired light level at any time. To read they need more light than to watch TV or to rest. When we come round for an examination, we can increase the light level. For emergencies there is a switch that turns the lighting level to full power,' Vera Nauwelaers explains.

Safe environment

Needless to say that safety in a hospital is of the utmost importance. Therefore adequate emergency lighting was installed within the department. The hospital opted for K9 escape route luminaires with a clever optical design. Result: Long interdistances and the fewest possible luminaires. K9, fitted with LEDs, has a discreet, compact design. "In our choice of emergency lighting, design played an important part. The chosen luminaires are small and perfectly integrate into the environment,' concludes Dirk De Man.

Product sheet

• 98 U7 & R7 luminaires (LED+LENS^TM)
• 22 D3 downlights with LED
• Emergency lighting: 15 K9 luminaires for escape route lighting
• Light management:  Excellum central light control system with motion detection, daylight control and manual dimming