Diving equipment firm could make NHS ventilators

A Renfrewshire firm is in urgent talks to help make ventilators for NHS hospitals swamped with coronavirus patients.

James Fisher Defence ( JFD), which manufactures specialist diving equipment, is one of the key companies approached by UK ministers.

A total of 300 ventilators have been ordered to double the capacity in hospitals to treat the surge in patients stricken with Covid-19.

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the machines have been commissioned to make sure there was enough to look after people left seriously ill by the virus.

JFD, which is based in Inchinnan Business Park, has been working with the UK Government to explore whether it can help produce the machines, which keep patients alive when their lungs do not work properly.

Alistair Wilson, sales and marketing director at JFD, said: “JFD is continuing to hold positive talks with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) regarding the delivery of breathing apparatus designed to support patients being treated for Covid-19.

“We are working with BEIS to evaluate a range of options and will do everything we can to support the UK Government and NHS’s response to the virus by directly supplying ventilation equipment, or as a partner working with others to fulfil the urgent demand for lifesaving medical equipment.

“JFD was identified by BEIS as a prospective supplier for this critical task because of its heritage and experience of providing breathing apparatus and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a range of sectors.

“This includes the delivery of equipment to the medical profession through some of our heritage brands, such as Hyox and Clinica.

“JFD is working around the clock to progress discussions with BEIS and genuinely hopes our resources and expertise can be effectively deployed to support the growing number of patients undergoing treatment for Covid-19.”

The firm, which is a top marine service provider, recently secured a multi- million pound contract extension to continue delivering the submarine escape and rescue services for the Australian navy.

It also supplied life-saving kit to the Indian navy earlier this year.

Previously, JFD hit the headlines when it launched a daring rescue mission to save the lives of seven sailors trapped on a stricken Russian mini-sub called the Priz.

JFD is continuing to hold positive talks regarding the delivery of breathing apparatus