View report page

-55-
Throughout the mortuary, which is flyproofed, warm and filtered air
is passed through air griils at ceiling level, thermostatically controlled to
a required temperature, then extracted through ducts which discharge above
roof level to avoid recirculation of the air and possible dissemination of
infection. The general spaciousness of the mortuary including the post
mortem room and the foul room is designed to safeguard the health of the
pathologists and mortuary attendants from this particular hazard.
Under floor hot water coils provide background heat in the mortuary
area, with the exception of the foul room, so the whole area is kept at an
equitable temperature at all times of the year.
These heating and ventilation services are provided by twin oil fire
boilers in the basement and a ventilation plant room on the first floor.
A microphone has been suspended above each necropsy tabie inthe
post mortem room and in the foul room so that notes can be taken inthe
secretary's room which adjoins the post mortem area. As loud speakers have
been installed on the wails, two-way conversation is possible with the
secretary who operates a control panel in her room.
Another new service is the first installation by the G.P.O., of loud
speaking telephones in the mortuary area. By means of elbow control bottons,
calls can be received and made from the mortuary without interruption of
work. This apparatus is completely waterproofed for easy cleaning and
sterilisation.
To complete this communications system, there is a 24-hour 4-track
recorder and two microphones installed in the court room to tape proceedings,
together with a deaf aid amplifier for witnesses.
Natural lighting is obtained through North lights in the mortuary
ceiling and augmented by high intensity fluorescent tubes above the lay
lights which are made of a polythene skin stretched over a metal frame and
removable for easy cleaning.
The whole of the mortuary area has been designed to allow for sterile
working conditions and ease of operation.
DETAILS OF UNITS
The hearse enters the mortuary through sliding and folding doors leading
to the reception bay and the body is then taken to the adjoining documentation
area which connects with the mortuary area through swing doors.
Just before these swing doors, is the preparation room which contains
direct access to a three-tier deep freeze refrigerator, essential in a river
borough for drowned persons and other cases involving considerable decomposition
of the body. This refrigerator also links the preparation and foul
rooms as it can be opened from each end.