After noticing the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospitals in the hot zones and the need for non-invasion ventilation helmet masks, CUT decided to print 3D masks for non-ventilation for COVID-19 patients.
The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), the Centre of Health and Living (CUTIS), Centre for Rapid Prototyping and manufacturing (CRPM) and CUT Innovations Services are currently in discussions with the government ironing issues related to challenges associated with COVID-19.
Hospitals have asked for assistance with equipment they may need for treating COVID-19 such as oxygen connectors. As a result, several ventilators have been sourced from Universities and Groote Schuur hospitals to assist other hospitals in need.
3D masks printed by CUT will help patients with positive pressure and reduce the spread of the virus. PDTS and CRPM are also assisting manufacture needed hospital equipment such as oxygen connectors, masks and splitters. This will increase the capacity of the hospitals.
Many hands are joining in to help with the production of all the needed equipments in hospitals. Free State Department of Education, a team that consists of experts in the field of Environmental Health have issued 10 000ltrs of ethanol together with partners from businesses. CUT is also providing one thousand 500ml required for packaging.
“Our rapid research and innovative response to assist government with the Covid-19 pandemic, is proof of our commitment to work together in solidarity and unity to restrain the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the risk related to the community transmission phase. Furthermore, a Covid-19 research and innovation grant of R1m has been made available by CUT to support these entities in their endeavours,” says Prof Henk de Jager, Vice-Chancellor and Principal from CUT.
