Philips Electronics has unveiled an LED-based wall of light designed with a holistic approach to lessen the tension, anxiety and stress young patients typically feel when entering a hospital environment.

The Imagination Light Canvas – thought to be the first of its kind in the UK – was supplied recently to the new renal unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The Imagination Light Canvas is a light wall, 3 metres by 1.5 metres, and is simply operated via a standard PC giving staff the flexibility to select from a menu of interactive and static scenes.

The 144 individual LED points used within the canvas are thus brought to life in a myriad of colourful animations and shapes, a statement said.

Deliberately positioned opposite the main entrance to the renal unit’s reception area, it is the first thing that visitors see on arrival, thereby creating immediate distraction, interest and curiosity.

“Going into hospital for treatment brings out worry and concern in most people never mind in the young children we deal with,” said Derick Harrison, capital project manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“Therefore, we wanted to create an environment which is uplifting, far removed from the clinical, sterile atmosphere usually associated with hospitals,” he added.

“Our whole philosophy was to design the unit with children in mind and involve them in the design process. The light canvas has been a major part in helping us achieve what we set out to do.”

Mounted within a sturdy steel frame, the Light Canvas has an intriguing quality of floating against the wall created by the LED cove lighting which softens the perimeter edges, the statement added.

Children cannot help but be drawn to it engaging with the vibrant, ever changing shapes as they dart and dance across the screen.

Eye-catching for youngsters coming to the unit for the first time, the Light Canvas also offers welcome entertainment for patients who have to be kept on the ward for any length of time.

The programme options even include the potential to create simple games so that two or more children can play together.  Kidney disease is incredibly disruptive to daily life and visits to hospital can seem endless, therefore, having the opportunity to play and have fun is a welcome relief for children, and of course their concerned parents.

Harrison continued: “The Light Canvas is a very creative solution which helps alleviate some of the stressful emotions associated when receiving treatment at the renal centre. I am sure it will be a hit with everyone, children, parents and staff alike.”

“The Imagination Light Canvas is a perfect example of how lighting can improve wellbeing and uplift people’s spirits,” Peter Maskell, chairman of Philips Electronics.

“But, the ultimate seal of approval is seeing a child’s face light up when they first walk in – that really what it’s all about after all,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service