THE BRIEF

The largest coroner’s court and forensic medicine facility in Australia is officially open, with Pro AV Solutions heavily involved in the design, integration and commissioning of new complex. The NSW Government has invested $91.5 million to create this world-class Forensic Medicine & Coroners Court Complex and as the largest facility of its kind in Australia, the new Coroner’s Court in Lidcombe a significant leap forward for coronial investigations in NSW.

The extensive high-tech facilities will enable more comprehensive coronial investigations of sudden and unexplained deaths, including complex cases and disasters involving mass casualties. The facility has been carefully designed to offer even greater respect and dignity for grieving families seeking answers. It also provides a more modern and spacious environment for our staff who carry out these vital services.

THE SOLUTION

It was clear from the beginning that that the overall priority of the facility is to ensure the deceased and their families receive the highest quality care and compassion. We therefore had  a big job ahead of us to make this brand-new state of the art facility an innovative, responsive and functional solution when it came with the audio visual and Cisco unified communications technology.

In the examination rooms, a medical grade customised body capture system for mortuary admissions was integrated with dual displays and video streaming. This creates a functional and flexible examination environment for both forensic pathology and homicide examinations as well as for training and high quality image capture. There are three separate control sections so multiple examinations can take place autonomously. Each section features automated control via touch panels or they can be manually controlled via camera controller giving the user the flexibility they require.

The facility includes one large 3-room combinable Multi-purpose space, with giant high-definition monitors capable of screening inquests for the media and general public if a courtroom is full. The complexity came down to the control of the space as each space would need to be separately controlled at times, but co-joined at others. To solve this, master control of all spaces is via an iPad and each space can be separately controlled via a Crestron touch panel available in each space.

With three Cisco SX80’s connecting each the rooms for video conferencing, projectors in one space for large visual display and a mix of handheld, ceiling and lapel microphones, the flexible space can truly be used to suit the needs of the user on any given day.

Four new courtrooms were also integrated with the latest audio visual technology. This includes video conferencing capability to enable witnesses to give evidence from remote locations. There is the additional separate witness room enabling witnesses to give evidence in person but just not in front of the entire court room. As a first for the Department of Justice, video streaming is available in the new courtrooms so the facility has the capability to live stream and broadcast high profile cases. This is controlled by a master operator who can monitor in real-time and adjust camera control as required.

Given the sensitivity of the facility, digital signage and room booking panels were essential. Room usage for viewing rooms is integrated via a calendar system with control through each room’s touch panel so staff are aware of room usage. There is the additional touch panels on the public viewing side with the surnames of the patients to remove confusion. All waiting rooms feature free to air TV in a calm and quiet environment for family and witnesses.

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Sales – 1300 287 253

Service – 1300 282 273

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