53934VapourSafe: Protecting front-line healthcare workersClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKOn the 10th of April, the Health Secretary, Mr. Matt Hancock, said his goal was that everyone working in a critical role must get the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that they need. A cross-government UK-wide plan to ensure that critical PPE is delivered to those on the frontline responding to COVID-19 was published. To help the NHS during this time of unprecedented global demand for PPE, Filament PD are leading the development of VapourSafe. The VapourSafe is a disposable protective device which covers the shoulders and head of the patient as they are being treated. The device surrounds the patient's face and contains vapor and particulate matter produced from the patient. This stops the spread of the virus beyond the enclosed volume. The VapourSafe creates an effective first line of defence against the spread of viral diseases in hospitals. The VapourSafe is an easy-to-use protective barrier which medical staff in hospital wards can utilise while treating patients with COVID-19\. It has been designed as a mass-manufacturable, one component product so no set up of the VapourSafe is required. The design allows for high numbers of the VapourSafe units to be stored vertically over a relatively small surface area; this reduces storage space, shipping costs and improves human usability. Once fitted over the patient, the medical team can gain access to the patient through four access points positioned conveniently around the patient. These access points will produce a partial seal while in use and fully reseal when not in use. Furthermore, the transparent polymer material allows for communication and visual examination of the patient. Advantages of the VapourSafe: * Fast-acting protective barrier which contains the spread of COVID-19\. * One, mass-manufacturable piece so no additional training is required. * Transparent material with multiple access points. * Minimal storage space required for transport and storage in hospital wards Based in Glasgow, Filament PD is a Product Development Agency who has released over 100 products for companies which range from start-ups through to global corporations. The development of the VapourSafe will utilise Filament's Design Process and integrated digital Quality Management System (QMS), which is compliant to ISO 9001:2015\. For more information about the VapourSafe, please visit: [www.filamentpd.com/vapoursafe][0] [0]: http://www.filamentpd.com/vapoursafe The 'Extension for Impact' funding will bring the VapourSafe device to market sooner whilst enhancing data collection to showcase the benefits of the device. The funding will allow further work with the UK supply chain on production and supply chain optimisation, but also support the creation of marketing collateral to reach and inform a wider audience, reaching overseas and secondary markets sooner. Formal usability studies with experienced medical specialists in addition to air flow analysis will also be made possible.