Welsh engineer produces face shield to protect NHS staff on the coronavirus frontline using 3D printer

An engineer is using his 3D printer at home to help NHS doctors - by creating faceshields to protect them while treating coronavirus patients.

David Sims, 39, came up with the idea after having a discussion on Facebook with people around the world trying to come up with a design for frontline health workers.

Each mask takes two-and-a-half hours to be printed and David makes up to ten a day - but said hundreds more can be made.

He said he has been contacted by over fifty NHS doctors around Britain asking for an order of the shields.

"From watching the news and how quick this virus was spreading, this seemed like such good protection for people.

"I was aware there was a huge shortage of PPE so I reached out to local hospitals in my area", David said.

The shield helps protect workers on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis

"The best way to explain it is it is almost like a headband that goes around the forehead - but it comes out at a distance where you can put a clear sheet on - and a mask underneath as well", he added.

"Anyone with a 3D printer can print a face shield. As I'm currently locked in like everyone else, it was a way of trying to help."

It comes after it was announced the military had been drafted in to deliver vital personal protective equipment (PPE), including 10 million masks, to medics on the coronavirus frontline, after complaints of shortages across the UK.

David posted his design on social media and said he has been "overwhelmed" by the response.

"It's gone crazy. Initially I thought I could print ten for some local hospitals, but from that one tweet, I've had more than two thousand requests."

David has been using a printer at home to produce the designs

David said the design came about from a conversation in a Facebook group - which has gone from six members to more than 500, with people around the world offering to help and print the design.

He told ITV News, "We're making a difference so obviously that gives us a massive drive to continue what we're doing. It's just been full steam ahead."

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