The Safe Hardware System (SHS) will consist of a number of cost effective removable, hermetically self-sealing envelopes (bags). It will allow medical staff in areas where iPad’s, phones and other such mobile IT Hardware are be restricted due to possible contamination. This should assist in keeping the patient cross contamination levels down with the aim of also reducing the frequency of the present hand hygiene methods through reduced contact with possible contaminated surfaces.
This device will consist of an inconspicuous disposable single use ear piece to monitor body temperature and was initially designed for airline passengers to analyse their body temperature to give a pre-emptive warning of possible Ebola. The device will in real-time, show you (in several formats) what your body temperature is over several hours, it is intended for use initially by front line clinicians and emergency service personnel to warn them and their colleagues at the earliest possible sign of a temperature increase so they can be fully assessed.
Update: This has been passed to the Royal Academy of Engineering
The Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre are interested in helping to understand the emotional consequences for staff of not having the correct PPE.
Theatre staff wanted for focussed interviews to understand present experiences in the NHS as they evolve, and the international response by surgical teams, with the aim of improving outcomes for staff and patients. We will conduct ‘virtual interviews’ with a multidisciplinary cohort of surgeons, theatre nurses, ODPs and anaesthetists. This will take the form of semi-structured interviews to explore experiences, perceptions of risk, and responses/innovations to reduce risk. These valuable discussions will generate themes around the main challenges, concerns, and potential solutions. The international theatre team response will be particularly important in identify how ‘best practice’ has evolved outside the UK, particularly in those nations ‘ahead of the curve’. We will also generate hypotheses to be tested by high impact, targeted follow-on interventional research.
Update: The work will be led by the Surgical Innovation Theme of the Bristol NIHR BRC in collaboration with the NIHR Academy Incubator for Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, the NIHR Surgical MedTech Co-operative and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It will collaborate with other groups (e.g. Operation COVID) to share findings and optimise emerging guidance in real-time.
Affordable and rapidly deployable unique coating that has demonstrated its ability to destroy 100% H1N1, amongst other viruses and pathogens, and we believe will kill SARS-CoV-2 on all the surfaces to which it is applied.
Update: This is similar to another solution we have received but a different stage of development. The company currently requires lab access to test against the SARS-CoV-2 and we working to secure that via our engineering colleagues.
Surgery and other interventional procedures generate aerosols that can expose health care workers to COVID-19 infection. This could be solved by using paired charged plates hung on opposite walls of the operating theatre.
Aerosols are usually highly charged particles which would be attracted to a charged surface. Two metallic plates made from copper, which has natural antibacterial properties, of approximate size 1000x1000x20mm would contain a battery and electronic control unit, Ardreno or similar. These would be hung on opposite walls of the operating theatre and after procedures could be turned on to pulse in sequence with opposite charges to create an electric field.
This field would act on the charged aerosol particles and attract them to the copper plates. This would remove the aerosols from the atmosphere and the plates could then be cleaned if necessary. The operating theatre would then contain no aerosols in the atmosphere and could then be safely re-entered by the hospital staff.
This would be a relatively cheap solution that uses existing technology which could be brought to working prototype in a relatively short timescale
Update: Having spoken to aerosol and air movement experts their view is that in the longer term, this sort of filter (either electrostatic or other) could be useful, but given the timescale which requires proving it out from a biological perspective (which is what would need to be done), this wouldn’t really be feasible. Theatre managers also stated that not all aerosol particles are charged so do we know for 100% certainty that the aerosol particles in a theatre would even be charged. If they are not then this would not be effective.
This is a proven technique that is already implemented in to hospitals. Our proposal will allow rapid conversion of positively pressurise critically ventilated spaces to provide emergency negative pressure treatment areas concentrating on patient isolation. Proposed modifications will be quick to implement and can be easily reverted back to standard once the pandemic is under control.
Update: The main challenge identified was that of timeframes in trialling or adopting this technology. If there are any theatre managers that are interested in solutions, please contact us for more information on this.
Innovation can be simple yet effective. A hospital based medical professional in their daily movements can pass through over 100 doors. Each door or ID access point can be a potential source of viral or bacterial contamination. 3D LifePrints in conjunction with Alder Hey NHS Foundation have designed and made 3D printable a low cost device that has the following features:
• Can hang off a keychain or lanyard
• Slide insert for the user’s electronic ID card
• Visible for staff identification
• Handle to enable the user to not touch the actual card or reader
• Hook to enable the user to open a door
• Flat end for pushing with recess for protruding buttons
Update: Additional funding is required to sort out moulding for other door handle types and to print additional units to meet demand. Surgical MIC is also exploring additional 3D printing facilities with partners at the University of Manchester.
Challenge to use paper check for WHO guidelines in operating theatre with PPE on. Possible solution is a dedicated app.
Update: The University of Leeds School of Design has developed a web that is available at https://surgicalmic.nihr.ac.uk/checklist/. We are looking for volunteers to test the app, identify any bugs and give us feedback on the app.
We have a clean and safe surface spray that will impart all day (actually up to 6 weeks) protection of PPE from Covid-19. It can be sprayed on or even added to a final rinse.
Update: Company requires funding and hospital test sites. We have identified two funding streams but would also be interested in any sites that are interested in trialling this. Additional information is available on request and we can put you in direct contact with the company.
1. Uncomfortable & damaging PPE face masks – ‘both theatre’ style & FFP muzzle type.
2. Poorly sealed PPE face masks jeopardising health workers
3. Ill fitting theatre style face masks
Solution – a soft flexible liner to protect facial tissues and provide better sealing over especially difficult areas such as bridge of nose/nasio-facial folds.
Update: This is a potential solution for Challenge #4. This clinician requires support with scaling-up. They will attempt to undertake an evaluation at their local NHS Trust – if this is not possible they will return to the NIHR for support with this. The Surgical MIC has also suggested contacts for digital 3D CAM/CAD expertise. If you would like to join this collaboration or have something to offer this collaboration then please contact us stating the Solution number.
With changing FFP3 stock reaching trusts daily, front-line workers are at risk! Workers need to pass fit testing for FFP3 masks. FFP3 masks don’t fit everyone, and when their only “fit checked” mask is unavailable, then what next? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ppe-really-fitting-our-nhs-workers-lewis-commons/
Company also requires funding.
Update: The design itself has merit and the issue of fit testing is widespread and a constant source of anxiety for healthcare workers. It would definitely help reduce anxiety levels from frontline staff, especially those working in the community. With regards to certification, we would have to defer to our regulatory colleagues although we understand that some organisations are accepting solutions depending on the risk levels.
Also see Challenges 1, 4, 8 and Solutions 11 and 20
There is a shortage of full face visors for health workers across the country and company has open source design to build and supply these devices to NHS trusts. Would any Trusts be interested in sourcing non CE marked device even if the National Physics Laboratory has provided a report to say it meets with the required guidelines.
Update: Provided some contact details and involved the local Academic Health Science Network.
Customsurgical.de are adapting scuba masks (the type you might use on holiday, not professional ones) to link to hospital oxygen supplies. The designs for the connectors vary according to the mask type and need to be 3D printed. Company wanted to see if mechanical engineers could use its 3D printing capability to mainly support their hospitals if they thought using this style of make-shift ventilator was appropriate so the relevant connections could be made locally.
Update: Mechanical Engineering were happy to do this if there was a need from the hospitals. This is currently happening in Bolton. Some clinicians felt that the idea is clever and novel but fear that this might struggle to be adopted into clinical use. The issues are:
- All PPE has to be fit tested. There are a number of acceptable masks with additional options for those who cannot use the standard equipment. The new mask would have to be incorporated into current fit testing protocols.
- PPE is uncomfortable to wear when a face mask and googles or a visor. A full face mask is likely to be even more uncomfortable and may not be tolerated for the long-periods needed in many settings.
- Manufacturers may be better encouraged to re-task their manufacturing equipment to make standard PPE if this is feasible.In short this is an idea that could work but has a high risk of failure.
***Confidential***
Update: We have linked the company in Solution 10 to this one. They are now working together to progress this.
More information available here – https://intubationbox.com/
Update: Looks potentially valuable, especially in settings were we have less control of the environment. The overall feeling is that the box will prevent the use of a bougie. This is a significant impediment to intubation especially as we are advised to use a video laryngoscope (for which a bougie is needed much of the time) in COVID-19 patients. The challenge is containing aerosols whilst maintaining access from several directions. I wonder if there is solution with a negative pressure box or an electrostatic means. The simulation video at this link may be helpful. It demonstrates the extent of access needed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGAmdyZr4Y
Engineered flexible containment that will outperform PPE/RPE by order of magnitude. Company designed and built a prototype within 8 hours at a new advanced manufacturing facility that makes 100’s of pieces of flexible containment for protecting biopharma workers from potent and toxic drugs in all pharma environments every week. The facility is idle and could be brought on stream immediately. Manufacture can be done right away at scale with multiple increased scaling pathways that have already been primed. We’ve tested it with a medical doctor and achieved all needed medical endpoints.
This is a flexible engineered containment solution, put together by world class experts, that WORKS, that will offer orders of magnitude increased level of protection, that can be made right now. They require access to decision makers.
https://www.hpapi.co.uk/healthcare-barrier
Update: Feedback from community team – we understand our patients’ dysfunction and how the environment can be adapted to meet their needs. We go into people’s homes and assess their function e.g. mobility, transfers, range of movement, cognitive processing, during day to day activities. So for example patients with tetraplegia require a sling assessment which involves the assistance of 2 people to put a sling under the hospital bed, before hoisting can take place. The doorway gown would not be usable. This is similar for patients that need to use a commode.
Feedback from dental school – this is an interesting approach, but one that would require a real shift in thinking in dentistry, if it were to be taken up. The demonstrations for dentistry didn’t place the patient and dentist in realistic positions. We are not sure that there will be the appetite for this unless there is further development and a clear evidence base that it provides better protection than the various versions of PPE. It would be good to understand how the efficacy of the different approaches is tested – e.g. how is it quantified that a particular facemark design is better than the current standard? Are there objective tests?
Unique coating technology that generates an environment that makes it harder for microbial survival. The coating can be applied quickly to a range of surfaces / materials during, or the coating can be provided as a kit to apply to masks, PPE or surfaces (e.g. textiles, wood, metal, glass, paper).
ProtectivAir® is a wearable, filter-free, breathing device that biologically sterilizes inhaled air, providing immediate protection against any airborne pathogen, even mutations.
Company has designed and manufactured two products that will resolve this problem. They have been manufacturing textile face masks for the last few weeks also with front pocket for a disposable filter justlush.co.uk. They have spoken to specialist coating suppliers and now have access to a coating that is certified to withstand 99% of all known viruses including the original form of Covid-19. They need to outsource the finishing to other commercial sewing companies and can organise this logistically, however, they need contacts to send the printed textile so they can finish (with guidance from ourselves).
Update: We have linked the company to another organisation that has access to sewing companies that are supporting the COVID-19 efforts.
Sub 5 micron COVID -19 particles remain suspended in the air for up to 3 hours in non-ventilated wards. Many NHS wards including ICU and theatres are normally positive pressure spaces designed to protect the patient from infection.
The solution NHS staff can be better protected by:-
- Reducing or eliminating aerosolised virus in the air by filtering it out.
- Keeping infectious Corona Virus wards under negative pressure.
We have designed and manufactured a simple combined virus scrubbing rig using a very fine (HEPA H14) filter. The design can also be used to keep the containment space under negative pressure. The filter and fan are connected to lightweight flexible air ducts which extract aerosolised virus from behind the bed and reintroduces the clean air into the common areas used by care staff.
Update: Company has eight units which is not going to be enough.
Company has a range of UV germicidal solutions already being used for rapid disinfection equipment and surfaces by a range of businesses all over the world to help in the fight against corona virus. They claim their high output UV lamps will kill bacteria and viruses in seconds, without the need for chemicals.
Their UVC Germicidal Hand Lamp is a versatile lamp which can play a huge part in this crisis. They are being used by a range of healthcare, pharmaceutical, food, public transport organisations, offices, laboratories and clean rooms to help improve cleanliness and infection control, reducing the chance of cross contamination.
This equipment is also being utilized at Ford Dagenham where new ventilators are being produced.
Update: Surgical MIC provided contact details for Gov.UK link and other Department of Health and Social Care links,
Observing issues from outside the healthcare system and from opinions expressed from NHS staff they have identified the need for a personal sanitation device.
This tool can be manufactured very easily and fast to assemble. Using injection moulding or 3d bringing for the case and laser cut perspex for the lid/button. The idea consists of a sanitation spray that can be carried by workers. This can be used for their own sanitation between dealing with tasks and equipment/objects before interacting with other patients/staff.
These cases can be refilled with bottles with liquid sanitiser and fitted to the spray. The cases make interaction easier and reduce the need to throw away whole bottles with their spray caps. Instead you can just replace the bottles and use the same dispenser.
Update: Surgical MIC provided contact details for Gov.UK link and other Department of Health and Social Care links,
Lucid Group has taken clear refuse bags and turned them into low-cost, full face PPE hood, extends under the users chest, with arm holes, for use under to a gown/lab coat.
Applications envisaged in clinical and social care.
They have designed arm holes and slots to be punched or laser cut into the bags and simple welds to create either a port to fit a cylindrical filter, or a pocket for fitting any flat filters from the inside. Other filter and vent options are possible to suit clinical need. Varying thicknesses of material are possible.
It’s a simple, fast to deliver solution that Lucid could engage with clinicians to perfect and begin making immediately. As an ISO 13485 accredited medical device designer experienced in PPE, Lucid can sort all the compliance hoops.
They can engage other suppliers to scale production. All the used needs is a hat – baseball cap, trilby, bowler, flat cap, top hat, anything with a brim will do.
Update: Good idea however head gear is something that will not be allowed in hospitals, so we cannot apply this in that setting.
Based on molecular recognition technology platform, we could provide portable device for community workers and paramedics to carry out fast test onsite with disposal measurement chips.
1. Surface safety. Two industrial partners are very keen to help in minimising the transmission pathway of virus. One of the partners is one of the largest manufacturers of speciality chemicals (e.g. surfactants) in England, whilst the other is the largest producer of polyester film that is used for face shield. We would like to test new technologies in particularly the anti-virus performance.
2. PoC detection. We have been using QCM as a molecular recognition technique for years, and used it for other biomolecules, e.g. DNA, in the past. The methodology is very matured. Based on the structure of RNA identified, we are confident that the PoC prototype will be ready in 4 months, and a centralised facility could be ready sooner.
Update: Signposted to NIHR Community Healthcare MedTech and In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative as diagnostics is outside our remit.
We have presented a “nonprofit” crowdfunding initiative, launched in the United Kingdom to produce 500,000 reusable 3D masks, in 1 month, where only the filter should be changed, with a proposal that we hope will be approved for FFP3 protection, based on HEPA filters 13 high filtering capacity.
The goal is for the majority of them to be donated to the NHS.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/free-covid19-supplies-for-nhs
Any collaboration is appreciated.
Update: Interested parties should contact the company directly.
We have fully developed and tested a Photocatalytic and self catalysing spray that kills 99.99% of all known pathogens and viruses and germs.
For use on:
- Contact surfaces
- PPE
- Face masks
- Visors
- All indoor Public areas
- Cars,
- Ambulances,
- Trains etc…
The formula has been tweaked from being a photocatalytic product to a self catalysing product and with the current situation it is wise to ensure that it will work on contact surfaces affected by Covid 19 and the mutations that will be expected.
CERAMIC PRO TAG is a progressive purification system based on photocatalytic effect designed to kill pathogens such as bacteria, microbes and viruses, which are a common cause of diseases, foul odours and mould. Applied on water-absorbing surfaces and exposed to a source of UV-rays such as sunlight, Ceramic Pro TAG decomposes 99.9% of pathogens present in the area.
Common sterilising products can kill the majority of bacteria and microbes, however, right after sterilisation, the pathogens resume reproduction and soon enough their number is back to where it was originally and continues to grow. The purifying effect of Ceramic Pro TAG on the other hand is long-lasting and will keep working for up to 6 months.
The photocatalytic effect is similar to electrolysis. It breaks down the molecules into water, hydrogen and hydroxide, destroying membranes of bacteria and microbes and structural elements of viruses causing them to decompose or lose structural and functional integrity.
The brochure link is here. http://ceramicpro.co.uk/ceramic-pro-tag/
Update: Main barrier at the moment demonstrating efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, which is proving difficult for similar products. If you can help this organisation overcome this barrier then please contact us.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a prototype personal respirator called ‘PeRSo’, intended to address the limitations of the existing protective equipment doctors and nurses are wearing on the wards. Our prototype consists of a fabric hood which covers the wearer’s head, and a plastic visor to protect their face. A small portable unit delivers clean air through a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to the wearer from a battery-powered fan pack mounted on a belt.
These respirators have to be safe and comfortable when worn continuously for 8-9 hours. The PeRSo prototype is designed to be light weight and quiet, because the fan is far away from the user’s head. To tackle availability issues in our prototype we have tried to use off-the-shelf components where possible, and to use readily available materials and manufacturing methods like laser cutting, 3D printing and a lightweight sewing machine.
More information at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/publicpolicy/support-for-policymakers/policy-projects/perso.page
and
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/publicpolicy/support-for-policymakers/policy-projects/perso-dw.page
Update: Our clinicians wanted information on evidence that it is effective, the relative costs, what do you do with the device at the end of the shift and sterilisation option, upscaling manufacturing in the UK. Hospital managers wanted to find out if this would be suitable for those performing surgery? This is where it appears many are struggling with the PPE i.e. we do long operations of more than a couple of hours.
The implementation is taking place first in Southampton and the issues raised are being addressed. The regulatory approval is currently resting with BSI. The upscaling is being addressed by talks with more than one large UK manufacturer. The local manufacturer is also likely to be able to supply quite large numbers. The Surgical MIC will be kept updated on CE marking and other news.
Please see attached product sheet and link below for explanation – https://www.onfab.co.uk/patient-isolation-dome/
We are an established UK based Pharmaceutical containment company with manufacturing facilities in the UK and Europe. Should our services be of interest to you, we would be more than happy to assist.
Update: Clinical feedback – It allows freer movement of the arms. A key test will be whether it is large enough to use a bougie. We would need to try it out to find out. I would like to do so if feasible. We will need to be mindful of the need to get new devices approved (especially in such a high stakes setting). This has been shared with the anaesthetic and critical care COVID-19 equipment leads and will get back with their response ASAP. The risk from aerosols is when we remove the face mask and instrument the mouth. This is also the moment when we need the best possible access to the airway. Studies of modelling aerosols during this period could well be of value if feasible.
Company update – they are currently trialling product in 3 hospitals and starting regulatory approval process. The aim is to crowd fund the provision of this product to the NHS if at all possible. To get to this stage they need to obtain rapid regulatory approval which requires some specialised testing and also fees from a Notified bodies. They will require some funding to support this.
We designed and developed new high protective face masks by separating the breathing pathway from the virus-contaminated area in face masks to provide more effective protection against communicable respiratory infections such as SARS and COVID19, which can provide high level of protection, more breathable and reusable.
Update: Company would like to arrange a quick evaluation/feasibility in a clinical setting. They can produce prototype products to be sent to the sites.
Novel protective clothing system was invented by systematic functional design with application of nano antibacterial finished fabrics with moisture management functions and breathable waterproof fabrics. Test results of wear trial experiments have demonstrated that this protective clothing system can: (1) provide higher protective efficiency against viral droplets aerosols; (2) prevent the penetration of virus contaminated liquid droplets; (3) induce less physiological stresses. This invention can be used as an effective reusable personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection in the case of person-to-person transmission of SARS and COVID-19 with reduced usage cost.
Update: Company would like to arrange a quick evaluation/feasibility in a clinical setting. They can produce prototype products to be sent to the sites.
An easy to make, DIY face mask ‘harness’ designed with as little as possible, for as many people as possible that creates a great fit between a face and any appropriate filter material or even on top of existing solutions. Uses head strap to avoid ear fatigue. The DIY version is for anyone to make, but I am now working on a v2 that may be suitable for medical applications. Comprehensive description/build video available at http://everymask.org
Update: No action required.
We have designed an easy to make disposable face shield. it can be made at home out of a sheet of A4 acetate. Please note that the face shield has not been tested. Home made face shield revision 2
Update: No action required.
The natural anti-microbial properties of copper are long established. Replacing touch points or key components of medical equipment with copper alloy parts could therefore dramatically reduce transmission rates of Covid-19 and other common hospital acquired infections. Sylatech is an investment foundry specialising in copper alloys. We are able to rapidly design, produce and deliver high volume, high quality cast copper alloy parts. We are looking for partners in relevant supply chains to rapidly bring touch point products to use in the NHS and beyond.
Update: Sylatech have produced a hook that you can wear on your finger and use the open doors, push supermarket trolleys, press buttons on equipment etc. Is this something that you can help them get into the hospitals?? They are also able to machine pretty much any 3D shape in copper as well, so if there is a particular component that would be much better in a copper finish as opposed to steel/plastic then they are still able to do this. If you are interested, then please contact the Surgical MIC
Current thinking is that aerosols containing the coronavirus can spread further than the 2 metres often quoted, and can remain airborne for up to 3 hours. This is of particular issue within wards and operating theatres. We offer air sterilizing equipment which pulls in air, sterilises it, and replaces it with clean air. The equipment destroys 99.9999% of viruses including the coronavirus with one air pass, and also kills 99.9999% of bacteria. It is also known that air pollution exacerbates the impact of COVID-19; this equipment extracts the majority of airborne pollution (NO2, particulates down to the nano level and so on), thereby solving that problem simultaneously. The equipment comes in various models for different sizes of rooms, from 20 square metres up to very large spaces indeed. Most are floor-standing, desk or wall-mounted, with some units able to be fitted inline in existing HVAC systems. Some units are available from stock (subject to prior sale – this is a very fluid situation) and more are due within a week or so.
Information can be seen here: https://www.founze.com/viruskiller-2/
Test Results and Certifications
Update: No further action
This is a liquid which is painted onto any hard surfaces and sprayed onto any soft surface. It requires no specialist knowledge to implement, and it leaves a nano-layer of silicon-based viricide (and bactericide). This would make any areas where COVID-19 is likely to be found much safer for staff , and would drastically reduce cleaning requirements. For example, ambulances need to be washed down (45 minute clean) after carrying a COVID-19 infected patient. With our material, this would not be needed. It is of equal use in wards, operating theatres, triage areas and other areas. It can even be applied to computer screens.
It has been successfully tested on other viruses, and is currently being tested to ensure that it is equally effective on the coronavirus.
Update: Awaiting test results. Register your interest here – surgicalmic@leeds.ac.uk
We have a very simple Aerosol based sanitising product that could be very quickly distributed. Kills Covid 19 on Contact – Alcohol content is over 80% so far in excess of the Government’s 61% guideline for total effectiveness against the airborne virus. Contains a Secondary broad spectrum germicide that remains active for up to 7 days on the surfaces it lands on, killing viruses and germs far more resilient than Covid 19. Rooms are re-useable in 1 hour, transport vehicles depending on size can be fully treated and ready to re-use in 20 minutes.
Cheap enough for a daily use programme, to give maximum protection. Simple aerosol based system which can be administered with minimal training. The active ingredient is approved for use within the food industry. Product already has BS standard approvals for its germ control capabilities –BS EN 1276 and BS EN 1650 . Each can covers an area of 5m x 5m x 5m. A video of the product being dispensed is viewable on the website www.x-mist.co.uk so you can see how easy it is to use. Removes unwanted odours and Leaves a pleasant aroma to confirm an area has been treated. This product has taken over 4 years to develop and was designed for commercial applications, hence its log 6 accreditation for the control of 99.9998% of pathogens.
Update: Contact company if you are interested.
We developed a visor with feedback from the Infection Prevention and Control team at Imperial College; They are used in the other ICHT hospitals too. You can see one of ours in this tweet:
Thousands of former doctors, nurses and other staff have returned to the health service to support patients at NHS Nightingale Hospital London. #LondonTogether pic.twitter.com/RYFaCJ0DXA
— NHS Nightingale London (@NightingaleLDN) April 9, 2020
The Nightingale visors (v7.2) were made by contract 3D printing companies. We have adjusted the design such that it is readily injection mouldable. Numerous other contract injection moulders (e.g. Formaplex) would probably be delighted to bring back staff from furlough to make visors for the NHS and care homes too.
More extensive details, videos, assembly guides, etc… can be seen here (including the Nightingale visors):
http://www.factechnology.com/covid-19/
Update: Contact company if you are interested.
Company has invented a simple way of producing large quantities of sanitiser which may be powered by the USB port of a computer. CaNoxi is a sanitiser that is harmless to higher forms of life, such as humans , and degrades into harmless chemicals. It also has lots of other uses, including killing noxious plants such as Japanese Knotweed.
We are seeking funding/partnership to undertake 3rd party laboratory efficacy testing against Covid 19, and thus become the first fully certified product, based upon known scientific evidence. The majority of sanitisers , CaNoxi included are recognised as suitable for use, but we are convinced , that as a result of this certification, the need will become the industry standard.
Update: Initial thoughts – This is more appealing for Global Surgery … wonder if we could work this into the Africa PPE project. How much funding are they looking for? Are you able to share any data from the foundation work you did with Greenwich?
By functionalising the PPE with graphene combinations, a range of properties to combat the virus and potentially signal its existence can be in-built into the PPE to future proof against not just Covid-19, but emerging threats. Coupled with the ability to tailor the surface using low cost and large area treatments to render a surface appropriately phobic/philic, the ability to apply small electrical biases to kill pathogens, and its self-cleansing ability will allow the manufacture of next generation SMART PPE.”
Update: Recently submitted
We noticed issues with the lack of full face coverage with the current visors which did not include the forehead and neck. So, we have created a full face visor which is height adjustable for those who are shorter/taller. They can be adjusted on-the-fly for different procedures if required. They are designed in a modular way to be decontaminated and reused.
They are in production now having moved from 3D printing to higher volume injection moulded designs.
Available for healthcare staff at: bit.ly/2z2GHRL
Update: Visit web link to contact the team directly.
Healthcare staff are battling Covid-19 on the frontline and rely more than ever before on functioning equipment, logistics and infrastructure. They need protective equipment (PPE), to protect themselves and their patients and prevent spread of infection. Frontline staff are witnessing problems in real-time but however, have no quick or simple ways to report problems with traditional reporting channels being inefficient and infeasible. Without this crucial data, healthcare organisations are unable to swiftly resolve issues to ensure staff are best equipped to treat patients. Not listening to staff is having a negative impact on resource allocation with PPE and life-saving equipment not being directed to areas with the greatest need.
MediShout is an issue-reporting platform that allows front-line staff to instantly report logistical issues directly to those who can resolve the problems (e.g. managers, help desks or equipment suppliers). By aggregating all logistical departments (e.g. equipment, stock, estates, facilities) on the MediShout app, staff have a single portal to report their problems. For example, if staff report a lack of PPE, healthcare organisations can respond appropriately to manage the situation. Our platform harnesses the insights of staff in real-time allowing organisations to adjust to the rapidly evolving situation. Aggregating data about the issues faced by staff helps drive longer-term transformational change and the application of predictive-AI analytics helps to predict and prevent future issues. During this pandemic, our preliminary findings have led to one NHS Trust updating their PPE policy and improving stock to better protect staff and patients.
https://medishout.co.uk/
Update: Visit web link for download details. Also available in app stores.
Like all areas, how to manage theatre with COVID was confusing and there was conflicting evidence around. This made it difficult for the staff to function safely and effectively. Theatre through put was very slow. There was no online training for donning and doffing PPE for theatre staff. There was no training for theatre process that took into account theatres with laminar flow.
We were concerned for staff safety and we wanted to improve theatre flow within the new rules on managing COVID but taking advantage of our laminar flow.
Professor Joseph Dias developed the training talk taking into account national guidance and in conjunction with our infection prevention team with inputs from a number of colleagues. We then trained 139 staff(all theatre staff and all orthopaedic staff). There was palpable relief from the theatre staff and a renewed sense of common purpose.
We videoed the training session. We thought that others might find it useful and helpful.
The link is https://youtu.be/8bz1CIeETZk