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 | | ALDER HEY IMPROVES PATIENT EXPERIENCE WITH PHILIPS AMBIENT EXPERIENCE
| | | Philips Lighting | | 29/09/2006 | | |
Alder Hey Children's Hospital was founded in 1914 and is the largest paediatric hospital in Western Europe. Recognised as an international centre of excellence Alder Hey treats more than 200,000 children per year. Its reputation is based not only on its medical expertise but also on its child friendly environment. For some, even walking into a healthcare establishment for treatment or a consultation can be a daunting experience. Alder Hey therefore has an ongoing commitment to adopt measures, which successfully put patients and visitors at their ease. This commitment has led the hospital to embrace innovative concepts dedicated to creating a more healing environment. Lighting plays a factor here by softening the visual cues we use and provide a more welcoming and safe atmosphere.
This was of particular importance during the installation of the latest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner supplied by Philips Medical systems. To overcome the intimidation children face when requiring a scan, Paul Fenton, project manager of Philips Medical Systems, suggested that Alder Hey adopt the concept of Ambient Experience. By employing this approach patients feel less claustrophobic and the need for possible sedation is reduced. Designing a comfortable patient environment is also seen as a way to reduce the time needed to take medical images, thereby helping hospitals work more efficiently.
Thus, Paul Fenton recommended utilising the resources of Philips Lighting at the same time as equipping the theatre with the latest in MRI technology. As he explains, 'Many people find being scanned an overwhelming experience. If a patient isn't relaxed, it's often more difficult and takes more time for clinicians to make accurate scans. We try to solve this by working with hospitals to create facilities that are designed around the needs of both doctors and patients.'
Moving forward, the artistic talents of Donna Berry were employed to realise an imaginative underwater panorama, a complete departure from the traditional stark white walls associated with a hospital environment. Central to this colourful seascape, the MRI scanner was inventively transformed into a huge, bright yellow submarine. Philips Lighting fibre optics were used to add a shimmering, 3 dimensional quality bringing the whole scene to life.
In all 4 Philips Focus generators, each with a colour changing wheel, were used. Ideal for sensitive applications such as this, the generators can be housed externally to the lit environment. This is particularly important here since a copper shield protects the MRI scanner to eliminate any potential interference with the magnetic field. In addition, at time of maintenance or relamping, the generator can be serviced within its easy- to -access location.
Giving movement to the scene, the end emitting cables were then positioned along the ceiling perimeter within the MRI examination room itself. The gradual rotation of coloured light bathes the walls in waves of ever changing hues complementing the brightly coloured fish and other sea creatures in this unique underwater world. By bringing all these elements together, the potentially intimidating experience of an MRI examination has now been transformed into a relaxing ambience where patients feel at ease.
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