Solray Radiant Panels from Comyn Ching & Co - the radiant heating specialist - are providing the hygienic, low cost heating on another landmark PFI hospital project - the newly completed Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and University of Edinburgh Medical School. Designed, built and commissioned by the Edinburgh Royal Joint Venture (ERJV), this new development at Little France on the outskirts of Edinburgh is the largest acute teaching hospital in the UK.

It features a 120,000 sq m hospital block, including 27 operating theatres, five of which are ultra clean, 897 beds, a Maternity Unit, a hospital sterile disposables unit and a hospital laboratory block. The University of Edinburgh Medical School on the same site includes approximately 11,000 sq m of combined laboratory and academic accommodation.

Consultants on the project, Hulley & Kirkwood, specified ceiling mounted Solray Radiant Panels to provide the energy efficient space heating in all buildings whilst meeting the project's strict hygienic specification. Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness are critical concerns on any hospital development.

Since Solray Radiant Panels are actually installed within the ceiling, no corners, ledges or joints exist where dirt, dust or harmful bacteria can collect. They also create far less dust and air movement than ordinary convective heating systems, so reducing potential discomfort for any staff, patients or visitors with asthma or other breathing difficulties.

The Solray Radiant Panels have also helped cut the time and cost typically associated with heating system installation on the project. They are quick and easy to install, minimising the pipework runs, boxing, controls and other components that would normally be required.

At Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Solray Radiant Panels have been fitted by services contractor EMCOR Drake & Scull to run on a low temperature hot water heating circuit. They provide optimum, energy efficient heat distribution and require virtually no on-going maintenance. Concealed as an integral part of the ceiling, they have increased the available space in both buildings to its maximum potential.

They can also be used with medium temperature hot water, steam or electricity and are versatile enough for completely unobtrusive wall or floor as well as ceiling installation. The first phase of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was completed in October 2001 with final handover of phase II of the project completed in December 2002.

The ERJV comprises Balfour Beatty Construction, Haden Young FM and Morrison Construction. Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is one of a rapidly growing number of PFI projects featuring Solray Radiant Panels. Originally developed by Comyn Ching more than 70 years ago, Solray Radiant Panels have evolved through the generations into the modern, highly efficient, state of the art designs proving so popular today in public sector and commercial applications.

Radiant Panels can be tailor-made to the highest standards of quality and manufactured to suit specific project requirements at the company's London-based design and production facility.