A Barnsley hospital has selected Actulite polarised daylight from Aura Corporation as part of its restructuring of four of its operating theatres and two patient wards.

Actulite was picked as a long lasting, energy saving and high quality lighting solution, which could also be installed into existing light fittings.

Managers at the hospital looked to change the lighting as part of the upgrade of the operating theatres and selected patient wards.

Commenting on the project, Barnsley Hospital Estates Manager, Rob Rennison, said: "We sought to replace the existing lighting to improve energy efficiency whilst at the same time reducing maintenance costs."

Another important consideration was the quality of the lighting. Frank Cicero, Hospital Projects Manager explained: "There are strict guidelines for lighting in theatres with regards to colour rendering, which is very important when carrying out surgery. The Actulite polarised daylight was first of all installed into one operating theatre, in order for us to gather reactions from theatre staff."


Following positive feedback from staff, a specification was put together for the upgrade of three further operating theatres. So impressed were the organisers, they also chose Actulite for the lighting refurbishments of two wards.

The Aura Corporation supplied around 250 units to the hospital. This included the range's retro conversion kits, which allows the Actulite polarised daylight lighting system to be fitted into an existing light fitting, and the company’s SuperLife lamps.

The Actulite polarised lighting consists of a patented Actulite multi-layered light polarising panel, high frequency control gear and specially manufactured triphosphor full spectrum fluorescent tubes.

As a result, it emits a quality of light virtually identical to that of natural daylight which is a low glare with excellent colour rendition. It eliminates the harsh 'yellow' light associated with traditional fluorescent lighting and can help with the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The hospital and staff are very impressed with the end result. Rob Rennison added: "The Actulite panel gives an improved lighting quality, with a marked difference between Actulite and the old lighting."

For further information contact visit the website on: www.actulite.com.

(JM)