Palmerston North Acute Mental Health Unit

Overview

Intelligent Environments recently completed a sophisticated lighting control system for the Palmerston North Acute Mental Health Unit (AMHU), delivering enhanced safety, therapeutic flexibility, and significant energy efficiencies for the facility. This state-of-the-art unit, operated by the Palmerston North District Health Board, required a specialised lighting solution that supported patient care and staff operations while ensuring compliance with stringent healthcare standards.

Objectives

• Deliver comprehensive, adaptable, and intuitive lighting management
• Incorporate therapeutic lighting capabilities for patient well-being
• Achieve seamless integration with the existing Building Management System (BMS)
• Ensure patient safety through specialized anti-ligature controls
• Enhance operational efficiency and energy savings

Technical Solutions

The core objective outlined by the Palmerston North District Health Board was to implement a comprehensive, adaptable, and intuitive lighting management system. The solution needed to go beyond traditional illumination, incorporating therapeutic elements crucial for patient well-being, particularly in specialised areas such as low stimulus rooms. Additionally, the solution had to integrate seamlessly with the building’s existing Building Management System (BMS), providing ease of use and streamlined operations for clinical staff.

Intelligent Environments delivered a robust, multi-master DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) architecture, leveraging microprocessor-based controllers and twisted pair cabling for effective communication and reliability. The DALI platform enabled full manual control, scheduled lighting sequences, automatic presence detection, daylight harvesting, and precise RGB colour control – essential for creating calming and therapeutic environments.

Technical Highlights

Key features implemented by Intelligent Environments included:

• DALI Lighting Control: Intelligent Environments deployed DALI fittings throughout the entire mental health facility, ensuring granular and responsive control over lighting levels.
• RGB Colour Control: RGB lighting in the low stimulus rooms was incorporated to facilitate dynamic and calming colour environments, directly aiding in therapeutic patient care.
• Occupancy Sensor Integration: Occupancy sensors with profile control were strategically installed in circulation areas, promoting energy efficiency by automatically adjusting lighting levels according to real-time room occupancy.
• Anti-Ligature Switches: Recognising patient safety as a paramount requirement, anti-ligature switches were fitted in high dependency areas, ensuring secure and safe interaction with lighting controls.
• Dashboard Control Interface: An intuitive dashboard accessible via an iPad at the nurses’ station provided centralised control, enabling healthcare staff to manage and adapt lighting swiftly and effectively.

Project Partners and Collaboration

The success of the Palmerston North Acute Mental Health Unit project was enhanced through collaboration with experienced contractors and consultants. Intelligent Environments led the lighting control system design, working closely with WSP Electrical Engineers, ensuring specifications were meticulously integrated into the broader electrical services design.

The project benefited from seamless cooperation with:

• Builder: LT McGuinness, who oversaw construction with precision and adherence to healthcare standards.
• Electrical Contractor: Max Tarr Electrical Palmerston North, who executed the installation professionally, ensuring robust and compliant electrical work.

Project Outcome

The new lighting control solution has transformed the AMHU, significantly enhancing therapeutic capabilities, operational efficiency, and patient and staff experiences. With advanced lighting technology at their fingertips, clinical staff now have improved control over patient environments, positively influencing patient recovery and staff efficiency.

This innovative project highlights Intelligent Environments’ expertise in delivering specialised lighting control systems for healthcare settings, demonstrating their commitment to creating smart, user-focused, and sustainable environments.

For more information about this case study or to discuss how we can support your healthcare project with innovative lighting solutions, get in touch with us.