Universal AV has implemented a variety of AV solutions for the newly built Institute of Medicine, at The University of Greater Manchester. The installations include six new clinical bed training suites with smots hardware and software, Hikvision 136in LED walls in the lecture theatre, as well as Yealink technology to enable BYOD in classrooms.
The University of Greater Manchester initially began work on the project in 2018, before it was paused due to the pandemic. Following this, and after the university benefitted from the government’s Levelling Up funding to address staff shortages in the NHS, the opportunity to work on the restarted project went up for tender. It was awarded to Universal AV, which had worked on several innovative spaces throughout the university’s medical programmes.
Universal AV implemented a variety of solutions tailored to each teaching space. In the lecture theatre, they installed the Hikvision LED video walls as an alternative to projectors. They also connected an anatamage table to the LED video walls through the educator lectern, enabling students to view digital cadavers on the LED video screens.
Within the six clinical bed training suites, they implemented smots, a system of hardware and software that can record video, audio and the vital signs readings of any medical procedure or simulation. smots is widely used in hospitals for continuing professional development (CPD) training.
Across the boardroom and general teaching classrooms, Universal AV installed BYOD (bring your own device) capability, creating functional environments complete with screens, microphones, cameras, speakers and amplifiers. The Yealink solutions included a MVC960, a BYOD extender, a touch panel, two PTZ cameras and two VCM38 ceiling microphones. They also installed a Kramer PA-120Z amplifier.
Ian Moth, IT operations manager at The University of Greater Manchester, commented: “Universal AV’s deep understanding of the university’s infrastructure and teaching methods was invaluable. They helped redesign and integrate technology based on the needs of our academics, ensuring seamless compatibility across campus. Their experience with our existing systems allowed us to standardise equipment, making the technology user-friendly for staff across departments.”
The building, with a capacity for 1,100 students, was completed three months ahead of schedule. In September 2025, the university will welcome its first cohort of medical students, with the first graduates expected in 2028.
