Ricardo, founded in 1915, is a company specializing in transport and energy resources in the fields of environmental and engineering consultancy.
However, as part of the general effort to provide the much needed personal protective equipment/PPE in the battle against COVID-19, Ricardo has started to manufacture face shields that will be provided to the front-line health care workers of the NHS and the key workers in the care homes across the country.
Their facilities at Shoreham in West Sussex and at Leamington Spa are being established as production lines and distribution centers for the face shields.
Production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The face-shield is built to Ricardo’s specific design, engineering, and manufacturing skills.
To build a high volume tool, the company utilized its production expertise with the use of an injection moulding partner. With its special tools and advanced engineering expertise, the engineering team took the chance to refine the initial fast design of the face shield for added comfort during prolonged periods of wear.
They also invited local NHS doctors to test the comfort and wearability of the new face shield design.
Ricardo has been working together with the leading test provider SATRA to ensure that its protective face shield is quickly tested according to EN166.
This test allows the PPE to be NHS authorised for the emergency Covid-19 response.
As well as providing the NHS and others in the UK with face shields, Ricardo is seeking similar initiatives for local communities at its centers in Europe and the United States.
Additionally, the company has extended its services to facilitate the rapid redesign or conversion of automobiles to be used as ambulances or as other assisting vehicles.
Earlier this week, Ricardo reported that it assists Isansys, a health-care technology company that faces an overwhelming demand for their advanced patient monitoring systems during this Covid-19 pandemic.
These facial shields are given to the NHS frontline and nursing homes’ workers free of charge.
First deliveries of Ricardo-assembled PPE
Ricardo’s CEO Dave Shemmans delivered the final products to the family doctors in Hove and the other health care facilities in the area.
A virtual meeting of the Greater Brighton Economic Board commended Ricardo ‘s changing focus at its head office.
The Chairman of the board, Councilor Daniel Humphreys said that the act of the engineering firm is an example that businesses are being flexible even when there is this crisis. He also commended the way companies such as Ricardo support in fighting the virus.
“We strongly believe that the right and complete PPE is necessary to deliver a comprehensive service for patients as we will not be afraid of clinical needs while maintaining our team members safe,” stated Dr. Esther Bird from the Burgess Hill COVID Clinical Assessment Service.
“The support and good judgment of Ricardo are highly appreciated,” she added.
Paul Hill, CEO of Hamberley Care Homes and Inspire Neurocare, said: “We are delighted to have received a donation of 250 visors from Ricardo and would like to thank them for their kind donation.
“The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our highest priority and I’d like to take this opportunity say a huge thank you to our care teams for their continued dedication and commitment during this challenging time.”
“The whole Ricardo team will help our communities in fighting against Covid-19,” said Stephen Dyke, Ricardo Automotive & Industrial MD.
We are indeed very proud to help safeguard those at the front lines in care homes and the NHS and we received extremely positive feedback on our efforts at providing PPE.
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