Seaham High School turns technology department into PPE production facility

Seaham High School, in Station Road, is now manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) to help cope with the increasing demand for supplies as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Staff have turned the school’s technology department into a production facility to help protect those caring for patients with Covid-19.

From the lab where students would usually be honing their design and technology skills, face visors are being developed for use in ‘care settings’ to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The guidance states that anyone working in a hospital, primary care or community care setting, within two metres of a suspected or confirmed coronavirus patient, should wear an apron, gloves, surgical mask and eye protection, based on the risk.

However NHS staff and care home workers across the UK continue to lack supplies of vital PPE.

As of Thursday, April 9 the number of reported deaths from Covid-19 within the Sunderland and South Tyneide NHS trust area, stands at 105.

There are currently 349 confirmed cases of the virus in Sunderland.

Click here for an interactive map showing the spread of Covid-19 across the UK

Demand for the PPE provided is expected to be high and the school has stressed that priority will be given to those working in frontline services.

In a post on the Seaham High School Facebook page, a spokesperson advised anyone working in an environment in need of some additional PPE to get in touch and encouraged residents to help spread the word.

They said: “We do expect high demand so priority will be given to those in front line services. We would be grateful if the people of Seaham could share or tag people who may need this vital PPE.

“If you work in an environment that would appreciate some additional personal protective equipment (PPE) please get in touch by emailing [email protected] and someone will reply to you as soon as we are able.

“Stay safe, stay indoors whenever possible and we will get through this together.”

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