HCP, a division of SAS International, supplied 970 linear metres of radiant heating panels to the new £60m Bristol Heart Institute, which opened to patients this month.

Radiant heating is a new concept for the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, but one which has been seen as offering real benefits in terms of infection control.

Alison Grooms, Commissioning and Redevelopment Project Manager for the Bristol Heart Institute, commented: "The design is a significant development in making the wards easier to clean and reducing the opportunity for cross infection risks associated with traditional wall-mounted radiator systems. Radiant heating systems can free up valuable floor and wall space, leading to increased space flexibility. This is another key benefit as it helps facilitate easy movement of patients around a hospital."

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The mounting of a heating system at high level can help meet Department of Health guidance on infection control. Radiant heating systems are easy to access and their flat surfaces are easy to clean. Current deep clean guidance requires the removal of traditional radiator covers and cleaning behind radiators which can be both difficult and time consuming.

Radiant heating solutions heat objects rather than air, therefore energy is not wasted bringing large volumes of air to a comfortable temperature before occupants feel the heating benefits. Internal air temperatures can therefore be reduced whilst maintaining comfort levels. As a result less energy is used by the heating system, particularly compared with all-air-systems.

The systems also reduce air flow, and therefore dust movement in an occupied space, another critical consideration for a healthcare environment.

(CD/JM)