Sky ceiling calms patients in operating theatre

8 March 2011

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. The Mount Vernon Hospital in Middlesex, UK, has installed an artificial circular skylight in its robotic radiotherapy suite to help patients relax.

The Hospital installed the Sky Factory circular luminous SkyCeiling to enhance the patient experience by creating a realistic illusion of sky and a soothing atmosphere to an otherwise stressful and intimidating medical environment.

Sky Factory UK collaborated with AD Architects of Hertford and Accuray, the suppliers of the radiosurgery equipment in the radiotherapy suite, to provide the first circular SkyCeiling installation in the UK NHS.

The sky ceiling
The SkyCeiling in the radiotherapy suite

The architects incorporated evidence-based 'biophilic' design elements to reduce patient anxiety and promote relaxation. In addition to the Sky Factory's virtual skylight, LED tree leaf patterns are integrated into the wall that patients see when entering the suite.