St John’s Academy Design & Technology teacher and STEM Co-ordinator, Gary England, is coordinating the production of items to support the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis.
A friend of Gary, who works in Anaesthetics, Critical Care and ITU departments at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath, told him about the items they were in desperate need of and Gary set about to find a solution.
Gary explained, “I saw a face mask design online by the company who make two of our 3D printers – Prusa. I also read how others across the world are making the face masks that include a 3D printed top and bottom section, along with a clear face screen and some elastic.
I ordered the clear materials and elastic online (though elastic is single use and has to be replaced as it can harbour C-19) and I am now manufacturing them at home having taken one of the printers home.”
Geoff Brickell, from Marlborough Area Development Trust (MADT), is also supporting the project. He donated the 3D printers to St John’s and runs St John’s Digital Makers club. Geoff is producing 3D printed parts at home too and then Gary is collecting and assembling the face masks.
“The prototype face shields are being reviewed at the RUH today and we are continuing to make while we wait to hear,” Gary commented.
NHS staff also require textile pull-string bags, so they can place their clothes inside and wash the whole lot in the washing machine together. This is to stop the likelihood of spreading any germs. The need for this item was first identified in Manchester.
Several other willing volunteers from the D&T department at St John’s Marlborough and John O’Gaunt Hungerford are now starting production of wash bags.
Staff currently have sufficient 3D printing filament and APET clear plastic to make up to 60 additional visors. They are hoping to source additional materials, and are hoping that the wider community will be able to support the venture. Anyone able to help should email Gary England: gengland@stjohns.excalibur.org.uk
Follow the St John’s progress on Twitter: @StJohnsMarlb and @StJohnsSTEM1
March Weather – a respite from recent rain but marked by a biting North Easterly wind
