THE DESIGN Technology department at Droitwich Spa High School is making as many face shields as it can for local NHS and careworkers in desperate need of personal protection equipment (PPE).
It started when DT teacher Andy Millicheap was approached by his colleagues Kiera Lapsley whose relative was a midwife at the Worcestershire Royal.
Andy Millicheap in one of the visors. s
Andy said: “They asked if there was anything I could do to help with PPE.
“I went online and found the face shield designs and then went into school on Tuesday to have a go at making one.
“It turned out well and before we knew it we had created 130.”
The first 50 were collected by midwives at the Royal.
The process involves cutting clear plastic sheets into the required shape by hand before they are attached to the laser cut three-piece headband.
A post about the project on the school’s Facebook page led to very positive feedback and deputy head John Brook set up a GoFundMe page on Wednesday to pay for more materials.
In around 24 hours more than £4,000 was pledged and production was stepped up to 150 per day on Wednesday and yesterday.
With the school already receiving more than 900 orders, further shields will be made today and between Tuesday and Friday next week.
Andy has been joined on the production line by Graham Harris and Dave Such from the DT department and caretaker Lee Giles.
Fiona Limburm, Miss Lapsley and Dan Hughes are in charge of distribution and Alison Thompson also brought in emergency supplies from home.
Andy said: “We have had an amazing response.
“It’s great to have so many people wanting to help out or donating money to the cause.”
So far the shields have gone to GP surgeries, care homes and the local hospital.
“The beauty of the face shield is because it is transparent it protects the worker but the patients can also see the friendly face behind them.
“Staff can wear masks as well though for extra protection if they want and those who wear glasses don’t have the issue of those steaming up while they are working.”
Any surplus funds when the project comes to an end will be split equally between St Richards Hospice and the school’s DT department so it can have some much-needed investment in upgrading its equipment and help inspire the designers and engineers of tomorrow.
For updates on the drive visit the school’s Facebook page.
To donate go to the GoFundMe page.
