PPE supply chain boosted by industry and community

Queensland Health has a 3000+ supply of face-shields, thanks to the ingenuity, agility and generosity of both industry and community stakeholders.

Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with local suppliers and manufacturers to ensure Queensland can readily scale-up to bolster supplies of PPE when required.

“We’ve matched our manufacturers to Metro North’s Herston Biofabrication Institute and the outcome is a great example of local innovation,” Mr Dick said.

“We will keep on working to find manufacturing solutions to address shortages now and into the future.”

Mr Dick said the aim for Queensland is for the manufacturing sector to scale up, grow and deliver to the community and industry in times of need and into the future.

“If you’re a manufacturer or producer who can offer further assistance to secure or enhance the supply chain, I encourage you to contact the Department of State Development. We stand ready to help,” he said.

“A web-link has been set up so manufacturers and suppliers can register what they need and what is available to keep manufacturing supply chains open.”

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Metro North Herston Biofabrication Institute surpassed its goal of 3,000 3D printed face shields in only five days.

“Our top priority is keeping our frontline doctors, nurses and clinicians healthy and safe during this time, as they continue to tackle COVID-19 from the frontline,” Mr Miles said.

“Currently our PPE supplies across Queensland’s public health system are enough. But that won’t last forever, which is why increasing local manufacturing is so important.

“Face shields are worn by health staff to protect their faces from a patient who may have the virus – ensuring an adequate supply is the best way we can safeguard our health heroes.”

Metro North Herston Biofabrication Institute Operations Manager Mathilde Desselle said the initiative, in collaboration with the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, has seen community members and local suppliers use their 3D printers to ‘give back’, further bolstering face shield stocks for COVID-19.

“Our newly-launched unit pairs clinical experts and technical teams at Metro North for a holistic solution, supported by design and manufacturing advice from a number of partners,” she said.

“We’re overwhelmed by the number of face shield frames we have received and want to thank our partners including Arc Hardware Incubator, QUT, The University of Queensland, CSIRO, Healthia Group, COVID-SOS, Konica Minolta, Shapelabs and countless generous community members, small businesses and schools.

“In parallel, we are working through relevant quality control, regulatory, distribution and infection control approvals on these supplies which can be used to protect our staff alongside vital PPE such as TGA-approved face masks.”

Metro North Herston Biofabrication Unit will continue to prioritise PPE innovation during COVID-19, working alongside its many partners to keep hospital supplies stocked.

Those still printing face shield frames can continue to do so with delivery information available here: https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/herston-biofabrication-institute/

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Minister Dick – Lesley Major 0419 288 284

Minister Miles - Katharine Wright 0428 957 903

Kate Carey, Metro North Hospital and Health Service – 3647 9522 | 0418 804 269

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