GREATER Manchester-based MHA Lighting has scooped a top accolade for an innovative lighting product which is helping NHS Trusts fight hospital acquired infection rates.

The Atherton-based lighting company fought off tough competition to win the Product Innovation category of the prestigious Retrofit Awards 2012 for its TiLite retrofit luminaire.

MHA Lighting impressed the judges with its unique sealed unit design which stops dust, bacteria and dead insects from gathering around warm light fittings and spreading deadly superbugs.

The LED’s 60,000 hour life span (seven years at 24 hours a day, seven days a week) also eradicates the needs for routine maintenance and bulb replacement which again stops harmful bacteria from being distributed into the atmosphere.

The TiLite fitting has been previously met with strong support from shadow health minister Andy Burnham, and from hundreds of entries was the only lighting solution to be shortlisted in the awards.

The Retrofit Awards 2012 reward and celebrate design, engineering and construction excellence that prolongs the active life of buildings and infrastructure.

Tom Harrison, managing director of MHA Lighting said: “We’re thrilled to win this category in Product Innovation as this truly reflects what MHA Lighting is all about- a forward thinking firm which takes pride in finding innovative lighting solutions for a whole range of clients.

“The NHS is currently tasked with evaluating how the fabric of their existing properties contributes to the spread of infection and superbugs.
 
“MHA Lighting developed this particular solution for retrofit projects within the NHS to help trusts future proof their existing buildings against infection control - as well as providing an energy efficient solution.
 
“The TiLite means that Trusts with older and more established estates are able to improve their infection control rates, sustainability and carbon emissions without having to look at new build options.”
 
Tom added: “The quality of other entries was outstanding so we’re delighted to be recognised for this.

“Huge congratulations must go to my outstanding team too. I am delighted that their efforts and talents have the opportunity to be publicly recognised.”

Paul Finch, editorial director of The Architects’ Journal said: “Retrofit continues to be critical in upgrading the built environment to meet the challenge of a low-carbon future.

“These awards are an excellent way of acknowledging success in this important market.”

MHA Lighting has an extensive range of LED solutions for most internal and external applications.

MHA works to create the right lighting solution for each individual client and provides lighting solutions across a range of sectors including healthcare, retail, leisure, office and education, airports and outdoor, food production and garage forecourts.

Clients include Newcastle Airport, Manchester Airport Group, Birmingham NEC, Budgens Supermarket, GlaxoSmithKline, Chevron-Texaco, the NHS and Greater Manchester Police.