Gradus Lighting Creates Magical Cinema Experience at Newcastle RVI

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Lighting specialist Gradus is helping to bring the magic and escapism of the silver screen to hospital patients in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, after donating products to the new MediCinema at the city’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

A state-of-the-art auditorium, the MediCinema holds around 55 people and enables paediatric and adult patients and their families to enjoy the latest films. The digital cinema has surround sound plus tiered seating and has been specially designed to be fully accessible for all patients, including those in beds and wheelchairs.

MediCinema is a registered charity that has formed a unique partnership with the health sector and film industry, installing cinemas on site in hospitals around the UK.

Gradus supplied the RVI MediCinema with Decorflex LED rope lighting, aisle lighting and Interlock Advance step lighting to help create a full cinematic experience for patients.

Decorflex rope lighting in blue was used to illuminate the walls in the single-screen cinema, creating an attractive bespoke lighting effect. Offering a low power alternative to neon, Decorflex is a string of LEDs housed in a flexible tube that is safe to touch and resistant to the vibrations of the latest action blockbuster. 

PVC-u aisle trims illuminated in green were also installed to highlight the cinema’s walkway. Carpet-to-wall profiles were used which help to prevent the build up of dirt and debris around the room’s edges.

Finally, transparent PVC-u stair edgings with a green Interlock Advance LED lighting strip were installed on each step edge to create a pinpoint lighting effect that helps cinemagoers to safely identify changes in level.

Christine Hill, Chief Executive of the MediCinema charity, said: "We cannot thank Gradus enough for so generously donating the lighting for the MediCinema auditorium at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. 

“Their lighting has helped create the magic that is cinema for the patients of the RVI, so that even those in beds and wheelchairs can experience the all-encompassing environment of a cinema.”

Steve Gallagher of Gradus Lighting added: “The RVI’s new MediCinema is a wonderful place and will certainly be of huge benefit to patients and their families.

“Lighting effects help to create a special ambience and add to the enjoyment of cinema-goers, but they are also vital for public safety. Steps and changes in level can make cinema auditoria difficult to navigate, so effective lighting is essential for maximising safety and reducing the risk of trips.”

As well as lighting products, Gradus also supplied and installed a comprehensive wall protection system throughout the RVI in the hospital corridors, waiting rooms, service areas and main atrium.

With over 25 years experience, Gradus has provided lighting solutions for clients including Warner Bros, Odeon, Everyman and Vue Cinemas. The interiors specialist offers a full project management service and installation, plus ongoing maintenance and after care.

For further information, contact Gradus Lighting on 01625 428922 or visit www.gradusworld.com.