In large, modern hospitals, patients and staff need to be able to move safely and efficiently between different departments. The corridor system needs to function as a network of interconnected paths that allow safe transit from one area to another while also helping users to remain calm during periods of potential distress.

When planning the lighting systems for hospital corridors, there are a number of considerations that will help to create the safest possible environment.

Key considerations for hospital corridor lighting

Illumination Levels: Ensure adequate brightness to prevent accidents and promote visibility. In hospitals, corridors should have uniform illumination to guide patients, staff, and visitors safely.

Glare Reduction: Use fixtures with proper shielding to minimise glare. Excessive glare can cause discomfort and hinder navigation, especially for patients with sensitive eyes. Patients are often moved around the hospital in a bed, which means that they will be looking directly up at the ceiling, as such, positioning linear lighting off-centre can help.

Motion Sensors and Occupancy Control: Implement motion-activated lighting in low-traffic areas. This saves energy and ensures that corridors are well-lit when needed. LED lighting in hospital corridors can be switched on as soon as required and then extinguished when the area is empty which reduces energy consumption while also maintaining the safest possible environment.

Colour Temperature: Neutral or cool white (4000K) lighting provides better visibility in corridors and improves safety. This should be combined with appropriate brightness levels to maintain calm for patients, particularly during the night when light from corridors could disturb patients resting in nearby areas.

Maintenance Considerations: Replacing outdated fluorescent tube lighting with modern LED strips on ceilings results in lower maintenance. The lifespan of the lighting systems is much longer and avoids issues with flickering lights or burnt-out bulbs that compromise safety.

Automated Emergency Testing & Reporting: Smart lighting controls monitor the system continuously and provide alerts when faults are detected.  Automated testing of emergency lighting in hospital corridors ensures that issues can be resolved quickly to protect safety and to ensure adequate lighting in the case of an emergency.

Professional advice and support

The specialist lighting needs of modern hospitals are complex and require a thorough understanding of patient needs combined with expertise in efficient lighting systems. Developing a lighting system for hospitals or other healthcare facilities that reflect patient needs in different parts of the building while making the environment as safe and welcoming as possible is essential.

Speak to an expert today to find out how we can help you improve corridor safety.