CSkills at Clatterbridge Hospital

Our Challenge

After previous successful collaborations, Clatterbridge Hospital approached us to implement a recording system in their newly built training theatres. Whereas the request would typically be for training wards, this was our first venture into live training environments where real-time procedures would be recorded.

The Client’s Requirements

The client sought a solution to observe live procedures from a training operating theatre to a dedicated observation classroom featuring two wall-mounted touch screens for dual viewing.

Technical Display Systems recommended the cSkills (Clinical Skills) recording system. This system provides a simple and effective platform for users to record, playback, and analyse their training scenarios via an intuitive interface, making the video capture and analysis process easier than ever.

To provide everything the client requested, we included the following equipment and hardware:

  • 2 x HD PTZ cameras capturing HD video and audio with noise-cancelling microphones strategically located for optimum clarity positioned in the theatre
  • Accompanied Control, live viewing, and playback capabilities from the de-brief rooms and the general teaching room
  • The ability to capture and display the vital signs generated by the De-Vinci robot
  • An audio talkback system via speakers will enable communication between the theatre and the classroom room
  • A tally light system to indicate when a recording is in progress

A flexible, easy-to-use system for recording, live viewing, and playback, significantly enhancing simulation and training

CSkills Main features

  • Record multiple sources such as High-Definition cameras, vital signs, and glasses with embedded cameras
  • Create recording groups of up to four switchable sources, all controlled and recorded simultaneously
  • IP-based P.A. system allows audio communication to speakers or in-ear headphones
  • Watch live streams of any video source in breakout/lecture areas
  • Live tagging lets users mark points of interest during recordings
  • Create live broadcasts with your preferred meeting/presentation platform, such as Teams or Zoom

The Solution

We installed 2 x cSkills 1080p PTZ cameras in the theatre area, providing various views around the room and the operating area. The wide-angle lens captures all desired activities within the beds’ vicinity, even behind curtains. Drop-down microphones were connected to a digital mixer, ensuring high-quality audio capture with fine-tuning capabilities.

 

We enabled staff to connect laptops, tablets, or iPads, integrating ops screens into the cSkills system for streaming/recording alongside the camera footage.

 

The talkback solution includes a headset, microphone, and headphones so the surgeon can communicate with the teaching staff in the classroom. Operators in the classroom can use the microphone to speak directly to the surgeon. The tally light system activates when a recording is initiated, with software-triggered red lights indicating active sessions.

 

cSkills Control, Streaming, and Playback software modules were installed on university PCs in the theatre and classroom. These dual-network machines connect to both Hospital and cSkills networks, allowing control over recordings, live streaming, and playback. They were integrated with existing AV facilities, enabling live viewing and playback on large format displays used for teaching.

Summary

The newly refurbished area now features a flexible, easy-to-use system for recording, live viewing, and playback, significantly enhancing simulation and training. The solution allows users to stream from the theatre directly to the classroom.

The modular cSkills system also allows for future expansion, with the ability to integrate additional sources as required.

Our client at Clatterbridge Hospital was thrilled with their new system. Once the remaining training theatres are open and in use, they will be added to the system so that any of the theatres can be viewed from the classroom.