Middlesex University uses laser cutters and plastic sheets to make protective equipment for the NHS

At Middlesex University study and students have been replaced by the production of personal protective equipment for the NHS.

At the campus in Hendon four laser cutters have been working flat out making straps for visors. In a separate area upstairs, teams attach them to plastic sheets.

The idea to do this came up just a few weeks ago, and it didn’t take long before the university’s first visors were tried out at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.

Their response was “How many more can you make?”

The team of volunteers, who are all staff members at the university, are now able to make 13,000 visors a week. The only cost to the NHS is the price of the materials.

Every two days the visors, which protect the eyes and face, are collected by the NHS to distribute where needed. Hospital workers have already expressed their gratitude.

With huge pressure on supplies of PPE during the coronavirus pandemic, the university is offering help to others who want to make the kit too.

And for as long as there is a need, the university team will keep providing.