Teacher gives NHS 3D-printed visors

A SECONDARY school teacher has become a health service hero after using a 3D printer to create visors for medics.

Stephen Stewart designed a protective visor health care workers can wear to protect themselves from coronavirus.

The head of Computing Science, Business & Digital Technology at Lochaber High School in Fort William, Inverness-shire, has made five since Tuesday and dropped them off at Belford Hospital in the town.

And he has now made his design public, meaning anyone around the world with a 3D printer can create the visor.

Mr Stewart said: ‘I have a mate in the mountain rescue that got in touch because he heard the hospital was needing visors as PPE [personal protective equipment] and one of the consultants saw online that they could be 3D printed.

‘He forwarded on my details to the consultant who got in touch and sent me a link to what kind of visor they are needing.

‘I looked online for some concepts and used a similar design to what others had made but it needed to be tweaked for our 3D printer at Lochaber High School.’

It takes two hours to print the visors, but Mr Stewart hopes to reduce this now the design has been perfected. He added: ‘Since starting yesterday I have printed five from one printer and dropped them in to the Belford Hospital.

‘The reaction has been amazing and very positive. So many people on Twitter are saying it’s great to see people from all backgrounds supporting our NHS where they can.

‘I think it’s something as a school we should be proud of that we are able to help out at a time of need.

‘Anyone with a 3D printer big enough can make the model I have shared on Twitter. There are also other designs that larger 3D printers might be able to print faster.

‘I think it’s vital that we all do our part to help out where we can and I will continue to make these until told otherwise. I think it’s the least we can do.’

An NHS Highland spokesman said: ‘We really appreciate companies and businesses are volunteering donations.

‘The PPE provided to our staff complies with the standard set out by Health Protection Scotland. Donated equipment needs to come through a validated process which is being coordinated by the procurement department.

‘Any offers of donated PPE should be directed to High-UHB.areastoresraigmore@ nhs.net. This will ensure that the correct PPE is used by our staff.’