Launceston Grammar developing PPE to protect healthcare workers
A Tasmanian high school is developing a piece of equipment that could protect high-risk surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses against coronavirus.
The Launceston News
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A PRESTIGIOUS Launceston school has taken on the challenge of helping our healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Launceston Grammar’s head of technology Nick Hansson has developed a prototype of a visor that could be used in Tasmanian hospitals to protect workers at high risk.
Feedback on the design was provided by health professionals, including Launceston specialists Christopher Reid and Martin Russnak. Now, with the help of the school’s three 3D printers, production is under way.
Dr Reid said the project was a “fantastic idea”.
“It uses the school’s 3D printers in a clever and imaginative way to make a real contribution to the health of the Launceston community,” he said.
“We plan to provide these visors initially to surgeons, anaesthetists, surgical nurses and anaesthetic nurses, as these professionals are exposed to high levels of bodily fluids on a daily basis. If the visors are well received, we could expand their use to other areas, including ICU and GP practices.”
Dr Reid said healthcare workers were at a very high risk of contracting the virus.
“In a regional area such as Launceston, we do not have any reserve of doctors and nurses.
“If there is an outbreak among health care workers there is a real risk that hospitals will close as we run out of staff.”
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