3D printer owners sought to help tackle pandemic
A COMMUNITY-LED project could produce up to 600 full face visors on-island, with the help of a 3D printer, as appeals are made to anyone who may have one in order to combat the global pandemic.
Working alongside the States, the first 100 protective visors, which are seeing a shortage worldwide, have been delivered and those behind the work are now calling on anyone with access to a 3D printer to come forward and support efforts to produce many more - materials are in place to produce up to 600 in total.
The visors, designed to the specification needed by staff in the intensive care unit at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will be predominately utilised by ICU staff but can also be used across Health & Social Care teams, including in a community setting where a procedure that might require such protection is delivered.
Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby said there was a constant struggle to resource visors through the normal supply chain because of a the worldwide shortage, but with the help of this project they could ensure the together the island could help protect their frontline staff.
'This is what #GuernseyTogether is all about,' she said.
'There are a lot of people behind this work and far too many for me to thank here individually, but this is such an amazing example of businesses, the community and the States working in partnership.
'If anyone out there has access to a 3D printer that either isn't being used, or they can release for this essential work, then please get in touch with the community project team.'
With 3D printers, they will be able to make the headband part of the visor and those behind the initiative have set up a Facebook page, Guernsey Community 3D Print, so that anyone who can help can find out how.
PwC partner Nick Vermeulen and a spokesperson for the community group, which also includes business leaders from the likes of Atec Engineering, AirFi Networks and Offshore Electronics among many others, said they wanted to do all they can to help.
'We all just wanted to do something to help and know that sourcing these essentials is very difficult at this time given the global nature of this pandemic,' they said.
'Producing the face visors for the team at the ICU has been a real team effort.
'We have produced 150 so far and have the materials to produce another 450 as needed.'
Additionally the same community group arranged the importation of four room purifiers for use in the new 'hot ICU', formerly the day patient unit, which will provide increased protection for staff working in these areas by cleaning the air and reducing Covid droplets in the environment.
Anyone with a 3D printer who is willing to help can contact atec@cwgsy.net or by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/229281821784061.
