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the foul room
In the foul room is a stainless steel and revolving necropsy table with
a circular base designed by the architect and similar to the four tables in
the post mortem room.
These bases contain and conceal hot and cold water pipes, the main
drainage outlets and also air suction pipes linked to a motor in the sluice
room.
The foul room aiso has a stainless steel sink unit with elbow-operated
surgeon's taps which are repeated again in the post mortem room. Above the
necropsy table is a specially designed telescopic and revolving inspection
light.
This room has been specially insulated with cork so that the temperature
can be reduced to and maintained at 50.F. In emergencies this room
can be used for additional body storage.
An observation window links the post mortem room with the foul room
and this window can be obscured by shutters which can also be used as
chalk boards.
THE POST MORTEM ROOM
In the post mortem room are the four stainless steel necropsy tables,
with one revolving for demonstration purposes. Behind this table is a
blackboard set flush to the wall, used with non-dusting chalk for diagrams
and data.
Also installed in this room is a special gas-proof and water-proof
X-ray viewing unit.
THE COLD STORAGE AREA
Parallel to the post mortem room is the cold storage area with four-tier
refrigerators designed to hold 36 bodies. Equipment in this area includes a
special weighing trolley provided by a specialist sub-contractor to the
Architect's detail.
THE VIEWING ROOM
The only link with the court and the mortuary is the viewing room which
has been carefully designed to give the appearance of a private chapel of
rest. Bodies are viewed from a separate lobby through a window covered by
electrically operated curtains.
THE BUILDING'S EXTERIOR
The exterior of the building expresses the functions of its several
parts. Aluminium curtain walling has been used for the outside of the office
area walls on the ground floor whilst the exterior of the superintendent's
flat above has been treated with "tile hanging" creating a domestic
atmosphere.