The West Midlands Surgical Training Centre is located in the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. The facility operates according to the Human Tissue Authority code of practice and is licensed for the use of human tissue for surgical training and anatomy, and future plans for a whole body donation programme.

The large surgical room is set up with eight operating stations, each one simulating a self-contained operating theatre. Every station includes a bespoke mobile operating table with electric height adjustment, integrated fluid drainage, and interchangeable radiolucent table tops for different types of surgery.

Operating lights, video cameras and flat screen monitors are mounted over the tables. On the wall at each station is a ‘stack’ with arthroscopic cameras, light sources, shavers and power tools. Each station has multiple power sockets, data ports, an adjustable pressure water supply, suction and free drainage. At the front of the room is a large teaching screen for presentations or to view video from any of the stations. This – or any other video feed – can also be shown on repeater screens arranged around the room. The principal instructor can use audio enhancement with a hands-free microphone, and manage presentations, video feeds or a video conference with a wireless control while moving around the room. A two-way AV link to the adjacent lecture room, operating theatres and the internet allows fully flexible integrated programmes and even virtual presence for distant trainees or course delegates.