Galway start-up’s quest to kit out healthcare workers

Generous donations from members of the public are helping one Galway start-up company produce vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals grappling with the Covid-19 crisis.

Specifically aimed at the nursing home sector, the Mervue-based company is aiming to provide hundreds of face shields to staff dealing with some of those most at risk of infection.

MedScan3D, based in Galway Technology Centre, was setup just over a year ago, with the production of 3D-printed anatomical models created from CT and similar scans its raison d’être.

As founder and Technical Director of the company, Jacqui O’Connor explains, when the call went out for companies with 3D printing capabilities to assist in the fight against coronavirus, they put existing work on hold to apply their expertise to providing face shields to frontline healthcare workers.

“This has taken over our work this week and last week. We got added to the list of 3D printing companies that were needed to print the face shield brims and there are lots of open designs out there,” said Ms O’Connor, referring to designs that have been shared freely by companies who traditionally make these products.

By the weekend, over €13,000 had been raised from voluntary donations through Facebook and GoFundMe – enabling MedScan3D to purchase the necessary printing materials, visors and elastic bands required, and to provide the face shields free-of-charge.

Each face shield costs in the region of €10 to €15 to produce, said Ms O’Connor, and while 3D printing is not the most cost-effective way to make these products, it is filling a gap while the worldwide supply of PPE cannot keep up with demand.

“3D printing is not the normal way of doing this – it’s much more expensive. These products would normally be bought for about €5 or €10 and it’s costing that to produce them.

“With 3D printing, it’s normally high-spec, low-volume production – but the need at the moment merits it; there is a need and we can supply,” she said.

MedScan3D was set up in March 2019 by Ms O’Connor as a ‘start-in’ division of 3D Technology Ltd, also based in Mervue Business Park.

Thanks to the trojan efforts of Ms O’Connor, her husband James Wall who is Director of 3D Technology Ltd, staff and friends who have been drafted in to help out, MedScan3D has already begun delivering sterilised face shields to nursing homes.

Such is the shortage of PPE, they have been approached by a number of private healthcare providers willing to pay for these face shields – and with a slow-down in regular business due to the impact of COVID-19, this will help their small business stay afloat, said Ms O’Connor.

All monies donated will go towards the provision of this vital PPE without charge to nursing homes which provide care to around 25,000 people nationwide.

Ms O’Connor said they had been bowled over by the support from the public through donations and by Galway Technology Park’s support as they ramp up production.

To make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page.

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