Key workers tackling the coronavirus pandemic are staying in accommodation provided by Wrexham Glyndŵr University (WGU). One of a series of support measures the university is offering.
The first workers moved into Glyndŵr’s student accommodation this month and are carrying out key roles at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Each worker follows strict social distancing while using the accommodation. The move is to support those whose roles mean they will need temporary housing at present.
WGU Director of Operations, Lynda Powell, said; “We understand the demands our key workers are facing. With most students not currently in student accommodation, we wanted to offer it to the key workers.
“We have liaised with the health board and other organisations to ensure we were meeting their needs. We will continue to work with partner organisations in Wrexham and across Wales to offer similar help.”
A PPE Production Facility in Wrexham
Meanwhile, the university will be donating further supplies and additional volunteers to a PPE production facility set up in Wrexham. This is to help healthcare workers on the coronavirus front line.
The latest donation will see raw materials and a further 3D printer provided to Hwb Wrecsam. This is being operated by volunteers at Ysgol Clywedog. Moreover, the university is among a range of businesses and organisations to have already donated equipment to the effort after an initial donation of equipment from the university’s Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology.
In addition to the physical supplies, a team of volunteers including staff and a team of 10 students are also on hand to lend their support to
the project. Senior Lecturer in Engineering, Martyn Jones, has been working to co-ordinate supplies and volunteers from the university with hub organisers, with the first Glyndŵr volunteer already having taken up their role.
OpTIC Technology Centre, St Asaph
Glyndŵr’s OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph are also working to produce PPE equipment using 3D printing technology. They are liaising with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to ensure it reaches healthcare staff most in need.
Staff from across the university also collaborated to ensure PPE such as; facemasks, gloves, aprons and more were given to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The equipment, which would usually be used by students on courses across the university during tutorials, was gathered by Rachel Jones, the Faculty Engagement and Liaison Officer in the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences.
Wrexham Glyndŵr University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, said; “Right across North East Wales, there are teams of staff and students based at our university who have lent their time, skills and more to help our community get through the current challenges it faces.
Boosting Healthcare Skills
“Whether that is offering our accommodation and facilities to help key workers and those in need, donating time and equipment to the effort to develop PPE for the Maelor and Glan Clwyd, or helping to boost the skills of healthcare professionals across North and Mid Wales, our staff are working as part of a much wider community effort.
“I’d like to thank both them, and everyone they are working alongside, for all that they are doing.”
Our pictures show Maria Hinfelaar and Saul Page from the Glyndŵr Innovations team at the OpTIC centre in St Asaph demonstrating the PPE visors the team have been printing.
Finally, thank you for reading ‘Glyndŵr Providing Student Accommodation and PPE Assistance’. For more Covid-19 updates, click here.
For more information on this, read Glyndŵr’s article here.
