Since its opening in 1918 Royal Papworth Hospital has evolved into a leading NHS Cardiothoracic facility and is internationally recognised for its ‘world firsts’; including the world’s first successful open heart surgery performed in 1958; and use of revolutionary treatments. 61 years later the hospital moved to its new 42,000m2 facility on Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Whitecroft engaged with the architect and consultant in the early design stages with specialist knowledge and an extensive luminaire range that were key to delivering a high quality, sustainable lighting and controls scheme. Overall, we have installed over 8000 indoor and outdoor luminaires that enhanced the care environment for patients and provided a more dynamic working environment for staff.  

With patients, staff and visitors all having their own healthcare lighting needs it was important to incorporate luminaires that offer outstanding user experience and effective infection control while also delivering compliance and energy efficiency.

As the hospital was designed to make extensive use of natural daylight we supplied luminaires and sensors that would respond to ambient light levels automatically, helping to ensure optimum light levels at all times. Where precision control was required, we delivered solutions that would allow the user to determine lighting levels according to their needs, ensuring that specialist procedures would always be lit appropriately. As a result this new hospital combines outstanding levels of public comfort with state-of-the-art care facilities in a welcoming, sustainable and well-lit environment.