East London doctor, Craig Parker has teamed up with his community to try and come up with solutions to the ventilator shortage in the region. Parker works in the anaesthetic department at Frere Hospital, he recently launched a Facebook page called the iCanHelp. Through the initiative, local engineering and design companies have joined forces with doctors together with doctors, designed the prototype regulator in just over two weeks.
“We are wanting to prepare so our doctors and nurses are best equipped to deal with the potential influx of patients. This means emotionally, physically as well as trying to keep ourselves from being infected so we can best serve our communities. Patients too will require assistance and support during this difficult time,” explained Parker.
Therefore, “#iCanHelp is a call to action! A lifeline; a helping hand of mercy and support. As we set things up, we will be calling on specific donations, expertise, skills and networks to assist us to fight the good fight. We are all in this together and we will need everyone to get involved and help in some way. Thank you for caring and responding in whatever it is you can. We appreciate every bit of help we can get,” said Parker.
Various financial donations have also been made in addition to face masks for frontline workers.
