Ingenious Waterlooville man makes visors to protect healthcare workers battling coronavirus
AN ingenious NHS supporter has taken up arms for healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic by making safety visors in his own home.
John Harris is working round the clock to produce the shields using his three 3D printers at his house in Waterlooville while working full-time.
The 59-year-old technician has produced 600 to protect staff battling the virus at the sharp end.
So far visors have been lapped up by staff in various departments at Queen Alexandra Hospital and doctor surgeries, as well as community carers. Southampton General Hospital has also now placed orders too.
But in order to continue helping workers and ‘save lives’ John needs funding to carry on making the sought-after devices. Although he has raised £1,164, he is hoping to raise £5,000.
John, explaining how he got started, said: ‘Where I work I design parts for ventilators and thought it would be nice to do something to help.
‘I have 3D printers so I made up 20 visors and gave them to my daughter-in-law who works at the hospital.
‘They were checked by infection control and were seen as better than the goggles they were using. It has just taken off from there.’
And with more than 500 requested for staff at the Cosham hospital, John’s efforts have transformed the working conditions of staff fighting Covid-19.
‘Nurses cherish them,’ John said. ‘The ones they were wearing before were big and cumbersome whereas these are lightweight and much more comfortable, as well as being solid too.
‘I like doing it and the more I can make the more lives I could be saving.’
But with a sheet of plastic costing £1 and 600 sheets having already been produced along with polylactic acid needed to make the visors, costs are mounting - especially following a recent order of 250 sheets.
John has also been supported by his friend Sean Holland who is making visors.
John added: ‘I’m asking for help. I’m relying on generous donations to keep my supply chain going.’
To donate go to: www.facebook.com/donate/879135322603351/