Croft Medical Centre is a modern GP practice in Chelmsley Wood by Birmingham. It is proof that a little attention to lighting design can go a long way towards a professional and comfortable ambiance in a medical practice.
CHELMSLEY WOOD is a pleasant neighbourhood in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull in the West Midlands, with a population of approximately 12,500. It is located near Birmingham International Airport, about eight miles east of Birmingham city centre. In recent years there have been a lot of new developments in this area. Croft Medical Centre is located in a brand new building in one of these developments.
A partnership practice
Croft Medical Centre is an NHS practice under contract with NHS England, serving the local community. The practice moved into its new building in 2015, and brought the name with it from its former location in Craig Croft. The practice has a staff of six doctors, three nurses and two healthcare assistants, plus administrative staff. This small team currently has a patient list of 10,700. This is quite impressive, considering the total population of Chelmsley Wood. Three of the doctors are partners, and also owners of the new building. During planning and construction the partners were determined to create the best possible setting for their patients and staff. At the new Croft MedicalCentre, this includes not only functional architecture and clean aesthetics, but also modern lighting technology and lighting design.
All lighting from one source
The lighting scheme was designed by Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd, and installed by Skerrit Electrical Ltd. All luminaires in the practice are made by Glamox Luxo Lighting. This includes general and decorative lighting products such as recessed and pendant luminaires, as well as certified diagnostic lighting in the consultancy rooms.
Throughout the practice the luminaires installed are bright, glare-free and dimmable LED products, which make for excellent viewing conditions and maximum comfort. There is three-hour emergency lighting installed throughout. Some of the emergency lighting is integrated into the general lighting luminaires. All lighting products installed in the practice are subject to Glamox Luxo Lighting’s extended 5-year warranty.
What does an ideal practice look like?
Careful use of colour, furniture and lighting can make the atmosphere of a practice feel fresh and different. It can mitigate patients’ anxiety and stress as they enter the premises. For example may the use of decorative luminaires create intimacy and soften the clinical ambience. Still, this is a professional working environment, and ample lighting is required.
At Croft Medical Centre this has been solved by combining the installation of decorative lighting products with recessed luminaires and downlights throughout. The practice is a showcase for good lighting solutions. All the consultancy rooms at Croft Medical Centre are designed and equipped identically so that the doctors and other staff members will not waste time searching for equipment. Each room is well lit, and equipped with a high performance examination light.
First impressions count!
Patients form their first impression of a medical practice when they enter the reception areas and waiting rooms. At Croft Medical Centre, particular care has been taken to design a reception area with a professional yet inviting atmosphere. The lighting in this part of the building has a considerable impact on the look and feel of the practice: Large, decorative Glamox A50-P pendant luminaires add a design feel to the lofty foyer at Croft Medical Centre.
