BRE and London South Bank University have completed a report for NHS Estates on lighting and colour in hospitals.

Lighting and colour for hospital design

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(ISBN 0113224915) is available from The Stationery Office. www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

There is now little doubt about the positive effects good lighting has on patients. The report is prefaced with a quote from Florence Nightingale: 鈥淰ariety of form and brilliance of colour in the objects presented to patients are an actual means of recovery鈥, demonstrating just how long ago such effects were observed.

The NHS-driven research project examined the visual environment, and positive effects this has on both staff performance and patient recovery rates. Researchers looked into the role of colour, surface textures and materials, lighting and daylighting. The latter included exploration of the importance of windows for natural light and views of the outside world. The report also deals with electric lighting costs and benefits.

The report, titled Lighting and colour for hospital design, should be of interest to those involved in design, maintenance or refurbishment of hospital environments.