Local community responds to PPE shortage

In response to the national shortage of personal protective equipment, several local organisations have stepped up to manufacture visors and ear protectors which are being delivered to local hospitals, pharmacies and care homes.

One such organisation is the Church Crookham and Fleet Men’s Shed. When their members heard of the shortage, they decided to offer their skills and resources and contacted Hart Voluntary Action which was able to act as an intermediary, gathering requests for supplies and distributing the final products using volunteer drivers.

The Men’s Shed are currently manufacturing between 80 and 100 ISO838 headbands with laminate visors per week for second line care workers and care homes.

Allan Walker, Chairman Church Crookham and Fleet Men’s Shed, said: “This is a great initiative that is helping to protect our local care workers whilst working. There is also an added bonus of enabling some of our members to keep active and feel involved, in the knowledge that they are helping a national cause.”

Local secondary schools Robert May’s and Court Moor are also putting their design and technology staff and resources to good use.

Court Moor School’s Design and Technology staff were busy during the Easter holidays manufacturing and supplying 120 units of visors and 50 ear protectors to Frimley Park hospital, local pharmacies and care homes. They worked in small groups of three staff per day on a rotation and even delivered the finished products themselves. A further round of production will be supported by a grant towards materials from Hart District Council.

Commenting on the initiative, Phillip Blagg, Acting Headteacher Court Moor School, said: “We feel this is a fantastic initiative, generating crucial equipment which is helping front-line NHS staff and key workers in the local area to do their work safely.”

Cllr David Neighbour, Leader Hart District Council, added: “This is yet another example of the excellent community spirit we have within Hart and we are proud to be able to promote this activity so that other health and care providers can make use of this offer.”

If you are a local healthcare organisation that has need of visors and headbands, please email Hart Voluntary Action: [email protected] and they will connect you up.

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