SCHOOLS across Dorset have attempted to answer the call for more protective equipment for frontline workers by donating and making PPE for NHS staff.

With many schools across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, some have pulled together their resources and kit to help keyworkers operating at the forefront of the virus pandemic.

Bryanston School in Blandford was one of the first to recognise the scarcity of PPE and decided to use the school’s 3D printers and laser cutter to help make supplies hospital and healthcare employees.

Head of Design and Technology at the school Chris Mills said: “When the school went into lockdown, we thought of ways in which we could help others who needed

“It became apparent quite early on that there was a shortage of PPE equipment in Dorset and across the country.

“Members of staff took them home and we have been churning them out as quickly as possible and every 48 hours or so, we take the parts up to the school to be completed and dispatched.”

The school is sending their PPE to Blackmoorvale Surgery in Shaftesbury, who will then distributing equipment to doctors and nurses, as well as GP doing home visits and other medical staff.

Staff from the school have produced 60 visors from scratch and aim to make 80 by the end of the week. However, with demand for the equipment seemingly increased every day, the school looks to step up its manufacturing with the help of students.

Chris added: “We have four 3D printers but only three of them are in use at the moment. It is not as fast pace as we would like.

“At the moment we have been striking a balance by working from home, but we are running out of supplies.

“When we have used up our supplies, we might have to use the safety equipment ourselves and begin working from the school grounds.

“I urge any school, company or family with a 3D printer must use it to make this much needed equipment.”

As one of the biggest employers in the Blandford area, the school have a wealth of resources at their disposal and have opened their cupboards in order to help other.

The school have around 100 volunteers that are driving minibuses to help deliver food packages and medication, and the catering department have also been making meals for vulnerable individuals in the area.

Corfe Hill School Academy Trust have also donated nearly 1,000 pieces of protective equipment to the NHS.

The Broadstone based secondary school has provided 300 sets of goggles, 300 plastic aprons and 300 sets of plastic gloves to hospitals, surgeries and health centre across the conurbation.