Northumberland College utilises tech for PPE production

A college in the North East has used its technology to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) for neighbouring healthcare facilities.

Led by electrical engineering lecturer Freeman Thondhlana, the Ashington campus of Northumberland College has partnered with Northumberland County Council to manufacture and distribute PPE face shields for use by local front line staff.

Using its 3D printers, the college has created 70 visors so far for Northumberland and Wansbeck Hospitals.

Electrical engineering lecturer Freeman Thondhlana commented: “Northumberland College is an important part of the community so when the opportunity presented itself to produce the visors I did not hesitate to volunteer.

“It’s an honour to give my knowledge, skills and time to the local community for a worthy cause. I hope manufacturing the visors, no matter the scale, will inspire our community and most importantly help relieve some of the stress our healthcare system is facing.

“I also want to show our students that all industries are as important as each other and can work together.”

County Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services said: “I applaud the team at Northumberland College who are reaching out to help during this crisis.

“It is wonderful to see schools and colleges rising to the challenge to create this vital equipment for people on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. Their efforts to make protective equipment and help keep key workers safe are just extraordinary.”

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