Wall trunking is a common way of distributing wiring and gasses round the ward. Often it is requested that lighting is integrated as well. However, for ease of access trunking needs to be situated approximately 1.4m above floor level, while uplighters needs to be positioned at 2 meters to avoid direct glare.

So a separate wall mounted uplighter above the trunking system is the best solution. Both the trunking system and uplighter are then positioned at their optimum height and perform at their best.

For reading and examination an arm based luminaire fixed to the wall or trunking is the best choice. Unlike a fixed reading light an arm based lamp can be positioned wherever needed. In wards with many beds, what one patient does affects others in the room. When used as a reading light an arm based luminaire will not disturb the patient nearby but will create a “private” zone. An arm based luminaire will also provide the staff with a supplementary light whilst attending to a patient.

Modern arm based bedhead luminaires use highly efficient compact fluorescent lamps with good colour rendering and long lamp life, with high frequency ballasts that ensure flicker free lighting.