Praise for schools using design and technology facilities to create PPE – fundraiser launched to help keep production going

A number of schools in Wrexham are working hard to produce ‘PPE’ to help frontline NHS workers.

The personal protective equipment – and in particular 3D-printed face visors – are being produced at schools using their design and technology facilities.

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Wrexham Council, and Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, have thanked all schools for volunteering to stay open over Easter, and for their efforts in producing PPE.

They said: “As well as remaining open over the Easter period to ensure the children of critical workers can continue to provide frontline services, the efforts of schools in producing the visors will contribute to ensuring that frontline staff in the NHS can continue their roles as safely as possible .

“We’d like to thank all schools in Wrexham who are producing PPE, as well as schools, universities and colleges across the rest of the country who are part of this national effort.”

3D printing of protective face shields. #SupportTheNHS #3Dprinting pic.twitter.com/eVNjNO96jH

— Ysgol Clywedog (@Ysgol_Clywedog) April 7, 2020

Wrexham AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham are coordinating local fundraising to help produce additional face visors via a programme that utilises existing 3D printer technology with a design approved by Bangor University for health and social care settings.

They explain, “Additional Personal Protection Equipment from the programme will be supplied through Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB) local NHS charity Awyr Las/Blue Sky and Council Social Care.

“Donations will be used to purchase raw materials for any school or college in the area and additional 3D printers to boost capacity. The 3D printers and materials being distributed to local schools after the pandemic.

AVOW say an individual donation of £10 will purchase enough equipment to produce 20 face visors for local NHS and care staff. A 3D printer would cost approximately £200 and would enable the programme to increase production of face-visors.

Donations can be made through https://avow.org/donate/ and any surplus funds will be passed on to BCUHB’s COVID19 response fund ( https://awyrlas.org.uk/how-you-can-help  ).

The 3D printing of the visors has proved popular due to its accessible nature, and earlier we have highlighted Coleg Cambria’s efforts, and recently several other producers helping out locally:

@NHSDirectWales Wrexham Maelor Hospital received 183 visors today from @BishopHeberHS with our gratitude. Hopefully 200 more tomorrow thanks to our great D&T colleagues and local donations. #NHSheroes #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/Sxtp8HBdnH

— David Curry (@Heber_Head) April 6, 2020

Our amazing Tech department made over 200 more visors today! Incredible! Nearly 300 produced in 2 days! We’re so proud of you all. pic.twitter.com/5bXJixwloG

— St Joseph’s Wrexham (@SJ_WXM) April 7, 2020

My daughter is an Orthotist at ALAC, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, N Wales. She & her colleagues are making PPE visors for frontline staff from laminate sheets. They need elasticated material, hook & loop velcro & laminate sheets. Do you know a supplier who can help? T:03000 850055. pic.twitter.com/jvoRw7Vs6k

— Boltondementiasupportuk (@Boltondementia2) April 3, 2020

Set the boys a DT project to make a face shield that could be easily produced on a 3D printer. A few failed attempts but they now have a working model. Happy to produce for NHS workers if any need some extra PPE.
Acetate sheet easy/cheap to replace@wrexham @BetsiCadwaladr pic.twitter.com/tlAdaEVQ3Q

— R Sparey-Taylor (@rebeccaBug) March 30, 2020

@BBCNews @BBCWorld Our group of schools are manufacturing respirator masks in collaboration with Wrexham Maelor hospital using full face Snorkel masks and FDM 3D printed parts. We have an army of ‘makers’ across the South making parts to support our donation to the NHS. pic.twitter.com/hm8RhSENRZ

— ACSPartnerships (@ACSPartnerships) April 1, 2020

The Health Board have also today reiterated their urgent appeal for any businesses that could change manufacturing to create PPE

We are continuing with our urgent appeal to businesses that can make personal protective equipment (PPE). A very big thank you to everyone that has been in-touch so far.

Think you can help? Please visit the #COVID19 section of the @awyrlas website: https://t.co/ggBSQ6AJ8w pic.twitter.com/E2o8M3QLUO

— Betsi Cadwaladr #StayHomeSaveLives (@BetsiCadwaladr) April 8, 2020

Donations to the AVOW collection can be made through https://avow.org/donate/ and any surplus funds will be passed on to BCUHB’s COVID19 response fund ( https://awyrlas.org.uk/how-you-can-help  ).