Energy Coast UTC in Workington is helping provide NHS workers with the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) they desperately need in the fight against COVID-19.
Following the current lockdown and subsequent school building closure, staff and Principal Cherry Tingle quickly came to the conclusion that the UTC could help the NHS in two ways.
Firstly, the PPE used in engineering and science workshops could be utilised by the NHS – so the UTC quickly donated hundreds of much needed science goggles and specialised FFP3 masks to the NHS. This vital equipment will help prevent NHS staff from contracting the virus while treating patients.
Secondly, the UTC started using its state of the art facilities to make visors for NHS staff. Working with local organisations Tech4 Office Equipment Ltd, SkunkWorks Engineering Ltd and Richard Rose Morton Academy, the UTC commenced 3D printing and assembling vital face shields for use by NHS staff who care for COVID-19 patients. The UTC is also grateful to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Beacon Hill School, Solway school and Dowdales school for donating much needed acetate sheets to help in the manufacturing process.
“As a school with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects we knew that we could support our NHS frontline staff by providing essential PPE,” said Principal Cherry Tingle. “We’re also extremely privileged to be in a position where we have state of the art engineering facilities, and fantastic employer links – giving us the ability to collaborate with local organisations in the 3D printing of vital face shields. There’s still an opportunity to raise funds for this project and I would encourage people to visit the Gofundme page and donate if they can.”
Paul Thorburn of Tech4 Office said “We could see the need, how we could help and know how generous people are. It’s a great opportunity to pull together to help keep our NHS and care staff safe.”
Since the launch of the fundraising campaign more individuals and companies have joined the project to 3D print them including Neil Kenny, Ian Wallacy, James Finnigan of Prozomix Ltd, Simon Price of Direct Rail Services and Derek Johnston of Precise Solutions. Paul Brown of Cumbria Computer Repairs has also generously donated some filament.
For those that would like to support this effort a Go Fund Me fundraiser has been established to allow the team to continue printing over 100 face shields per day (link:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-our-nhs-staff-safer) . Businesses and organisations with the necessary skills and equipment are also invited to join the effort.
