We have been working on a large project to upgrade the lighting across the Evelina London Children’s hospital, part of the Guys & St Thomas’s Trust. Commissioned by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Project team, we worked with the main contractor, Solarcrown Commercial and installers R&O, to design, supply and fit intelligent lighting across the estate.
The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Evelina London is one part of this important project. Due to the ward being active and with necessary infection control restrictions, we couldn’t access the ward during the initial survey and had to base specifications on drawings. Shortly before the planned four-day shutdown (the first closure of the PICU in 15 years) we were given access and discovered that the ceiling cut-outs were larger than expected, making the planned replacement luminaires unsuitable.
With multiple trades scheduled to work in the same short shutdown period, we needed a fast, efficient solution that avoided major ceiling works and complied with the ward’s strict clinical requirements.
Working in a cordoned-off area of the ward, we opened an existing luminaire to assess the best way forward. A trial with a standard LED panel didn’t work, so we designed and manufactured 77 bespoke retrofit gear trays to match the existing housing dimensions precisely while incorporating new LED components. Using this method, we re-used over 80% of the original fitting which included metal frames, brackets, louvre and a glass cover.
By retaining the original housings, we avoided the need for full fitting removal, resealing or ceiling disturbance. This not only reduced installation time but also minimised disruption, allowing R&O to work efficiently alongside other trades and complete the lighting upgrade within the strict four-day window.
