The University Animal Hospital in Uppsala has one of Europe's largest veterinary diagnostic imaging clinics, where both small and large animals are diagnosed and treated. In 2014, the animal hospital switched to ergonomic lighting to improve the working environment - and the results are positive.
Horses, dogs, cats, and cows are just a few of the animals that are examined daily using ultrasound at the University Animal Hospital in Uppsala. This state-of-the-art veterinary clinic is one of the largest in Europe and treats animals of all kinds with a wide range of diseases. It collaborates with researchers, students, veterinary nurses, and veterinarians from around the world to stay up to date with the latest knowledge and advancements in veterinary medicine.
In 2014, the University Animal Hospital in Uppsala relocated to new premises, prioritizing the working environment as part of the new construction plan. This led to the installation of ergonomic lighting from Chromaviso, a decision made by Margareta Uhlhorn, the chief veterinarian and clinic manager.
— We face challenges with the working environment here. Especially during winter, the staff feels tired due to the darkness. Lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring a good image on the screen. Previously, we worked in darkness until we learned about ergonomic lighting. Today, we not only have more light in our workday but also a clear screen image, explains Margareta Uhlhorn, the leader of the diagnostic imaging clinic.
The University Animal Hospital in Uppsala boasts a spacious room dedicated to ultrasound examinations of large animals such as horses, along with two regular examination rooms for smaller animals. In addition, there is a large description room equipped with eight workstations where the staff reviews images and writes reports.
— The lighting in our examination rooms is highly flexible and can be adjusted based on the position of the screen. When working with large animals, we often have to move the ultrasound equipment around, and the lighting seamlessly follows. It works like a charm, explains Margareta Uhlhorn.
The lighting is tailored specifically for ultrasound scanning, allowing the staff to choose from various lighting settings to ensure the right illumination before, during, and after the examination. When an animal enters the room, the staff often selects a clear white light. Once the scanning begins, red light is used behind the screen, combined with green light in the rest of the room. The red color enhances the grayscale colors in the ultrasound image, while the combination with green light creates a pleasant working environment, minimizing glare and reflection. After the procedure, the lighting can easily be switched to a powerful cleaning light that simulates daylight and provides an energy boost.
But what do the animals think of the colored light?
— The animals remain awake during the scans and have not reacted to the colored light. Horses can become restless in darker environments, so it is advantageous that the room has become brighter. Perhaps the horses can sense how the staff is feeling, and we have noticed an improvement, reports Margareta Uhlhorn.
On a typical workday, the majority of the staff spends up to eight hours in rooms that were previously dark but now have ergonomic lighting.
In the description room with eight workstations, red light is used to optimize image quality while also providing the staff with the necessary light to thrive.
— The staff has gained more energy, and we are less tired. Ergonomic lighting has made a significant impact on our working environment, explains Margareta Uhlhorn.
To ensure that the lighting was optimal for the work at the University Animal Hospital, Chromaviso customized the lighting after installation. They also provided both the technical and clinical staff with instructions on how to use the lighting and its importance for their work and well-being.
The lighting is customized to meet the needs of the users in each room and includes tailored lighting settings for before, during, and after procedures, as well as the ability to adjust the brightness.
The lighting is controlled through Chromaviso's specially designed control panel, ensuring that the right lighting is always just a press away.
A selection of the lighting settings at the University Animal Hospital:
