News / Bristol Robotics Laboratory
Technicians at Bristol’s robotics lab are making visors for NHS staff
Technicians at Bristol Robotics Laboratory making protective visors for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust staff using laser cutting technology.
They are manufacturing an initial batch of 200 for staff, and plan to expand production with the support of both 3D printing facilities and technicians working across three UWE Bristol faculties.
The team also plan to expand production and also manufacture surgical mask straps, which help prevent masks rubbing against the ears of clinical staff.
is needed now More than ever
The Bristol Robotics Laboratory team has also offered to supply visors to the new Nightingale Hospital Bristol, which has been constructed at the Exhibition and Conference Centre at Frenchay campus.
The Bristol Nightingale Hospital opened on April 27. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
“The trust approached us asking if we could supply PPE and we were very happy to use our facilities and expertise to help with their request,” says Gareth Griffiths, a senior engineering manager in Bristol Robotics Laboratory’s Robotics Innovation Facility.
“The visors can be made very quickly, with the manufacture process taking about two-and-a-half minutes for each visor. They are made from smooth laser-cut plastic so they can be easily cleaned and reused if necessary.”
The visors also comply national standards, using an approved design by University College London.
Scientists from UWE Bristol have also supported frontline clinical areas by supplying thousands of litres of disinfectant.
The solution made in labs at Frenchay campus has been sent to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, local GP surgeries, care homes and police stations for use as a surface disinfectant or alternative to hand sanitiser.
Scientists at UWE Bristol have been making sanitiser for frontline staff. Photo: UWE Bristol
“I’d like to thank the team at Bristol Robotics Laboratory for their assistance in providing these visors for our staff so that they can continue to care for our patients safely,” says Alan Metherall, associate director of nursing at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
“We already work closely with UWE Bristol through the provision of training for mental health nurses and this demonstrates great partnership working and will make a real difference in enabling our teams to continue the fight against coronavirus.”
“We’ve consulted with health trusts and other universities to ensure we’re making PPE that clinicians really need rather than offering equipment they may not require or isn’t usable,” Griffiths adds. “We’ve been careful to make sure our visors will be of real benefit to NHS staff.”
Main photo: UWE Bristol
Read more: Scientists at UWE Bristol work to support frontline staff
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