Kettering architects join the fight against Covid-19 with PPE for NHS staff

A Kettering-based architects firm has been helping the NHS by producing much needed PPE for those working on the frontline.

3DLABS, GSSArchitecture’s in-house graphics department, have been utilising their 3D-printing facilities to produce re-usable face shields to help protect healthcare professionals.

The specialist 3D equipment was bought by the practice to produce detailed architectural models and is now being used to print the plastic head bands for the protective visors.

Once printed, acetate is then attached to the band to complete the shield.

The practice has already donated more than 50 face shields to staff at Kettering General Hospital, with further shields to be delivered to local care homes and other NHS facilities over the coming weeks.

But this is not the first time the architects have worked with the hospital.

GSSArchitecture’s history with the hospital dates back more than 100 years, with founder of GSS, JohnAlfred Gotch, providing the designs for the initial site back in 1894.

Since that time the hospital has grown significantly, with the GSS designed former main hospital building now just a small section of the entire site.

And more recently, GSSArchitecture submitted a planning application on behalf of the hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support to bring a new cancer support centre to the town.

The new centre, the first of its kind in the north of the county, will be used by people who are living with, or are affected by cancer, and will offer them support, resources and therapeutic services.

The centre will be situated within the courtyard inside the main hospital site, and will be operated by the hospital alongside their partner Macmillan Cancer Support.

The plans were submitted in February.

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