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'Kelvinside staff are doing an amazing job manufacturing protective visors for NHS'

The Glasgow school is calling on businesses to donate vital materials to support continued production

Staff at a Glasgow school have manufactured more than 500 protective visors to help doctors and nurses in their fight against Coronavirus.

The protective face shields are being produced onsite at Kelvinside Academy using 3D printers and laser cutters.

Hundreds of visors are being shipped daily to, among others: Wishaw General Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Vale of Leven Ambulance Service, Balmanno Care Home - and the list is growing as the crisis escalates.

 School Rector Dan Wyatt with the protective safety masks being made at Kelvinside Academy Innovation School.
School Rector Dan Wyatt with the protective safety masks being made at Kelvinside Academy Innovation School.

The Glasgow-based school intends to continue production and is calling on local businesses to support the effort by donating necessary materials including acrylic sheets, laminating pouches and elastic ribbon.

The visors are being made at Kelvinside Academy's NuVu Innovation School, which opened last October.

Kelvinside is collaborating with other schools, including Larbert High School, Denny High School and Graeme High School to produce the equipment.

'Humbling'

Together, over 4000 visors have been produced to date.

David Miller, director of Kelvinside’s Innovation School, said: “Medical and care staff are on the front-line of this crisis, but to save lives, they need to be protected themselves.

"It has been humbling to meet the doctors, nurses and care staff; these visors are in many cases that crucial extra layer protecting front line staff in these incredibly challenging times.”

 David Miller, head of the Innovation School with the protective safety masks being made at Kelvinside Academy Innovation School.
David Miller, head of the Innovation School with the protective safety masks being made at Kelvinside Academy Innovation School.

Dr Janis Lynch, a recipient of visors for her GP Practice, said: “The team at Kelvinside are doing an amazing job in manufacturing protective visors for the worthy NHS staff, demonstrating their innovative thinking and immense kindness, really making a difference in this challenging time.

"It’s a shining example of how communities can make valuable contributions”.

Mr Miller said: “At Kelvinside Academy we have access to technology that we know can make a difference.

'Urgent need'

"We will continue the production of protective visors for as long as they are needed, but we are in urgent need of materials: particularly acrylic, and acetate.

"If your business or organisation can help, please be in touch."

The actions taken by staff have also inspired S2 pupil Ben Faulkner to contribute to the national effort.

Ben is running his own production line from home using his dad’s 3D printer, aiming to print over 40 visors this week.

 The protective safety masks are going to frontline staff at hospitals and local care homes
The protective safety masks are going to frontline staff at hospitals and local care homes

To continue the production of PPE, Kelvinside Academy is seeking donations of the following materials:

* 3-4mm acrylic sheets dimensions: 1000mm by 600mm

* A4 acetate 200 microns

* Scotch magic tape

If you can help in any way, please email david.miller@kelvinside.org or call the school switchboard on 0141 357 3376

NuVu the Innovation School launched at Kelvinside Academy in October 2019 and is the only institution of its kind in the UK.

For more information please contact Kelvinside Academy on 0141 357 3376, or visit www.kelvinside.org

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