Mira Showers has revealed how, in the critical months of the coronavirus outbreak, it refocused some of its resources and expertise to support the NHS in the manufacture and assembly of critical care ventilators.
A video at the end of this post shows how Mira has changed and adapted to the demands of the times.
Craig Baker, MD of Mira Showers, says: “When we were approached to become a partner on one of the government-appointed ventilator projects we didn’t hesitate to accept, we knew that we had the expertise and the manufacturing and assembly capability, as well as the passion and skillset in our associates, to deliver what was required.”
Alongside various other manufacturers who responded to the government’s request for support, Mira Showers was amongst only a few who were able to meet the stringent requirements for testing and assembly required.
Jon Ramsdale, manufacturing director and project sponsor explains: “The actual assembly and testing of the ventilator is hugely complex which is part of the reason we were selected as a partner for the project. Whilst manufacturing ventilators is new grounds for us, there are lots of similarities to the complexities involved with assembling digital and electric showers and some of the equipment we are using is identical to that which we use day to day.”
In just 12 weeks, the manufacturer produced a ‘factory in a factory’ – an all-clean room environment of 2500 sq ft – providing assembly and testing facilities for the advanced development and manufacturing of the ventilators, as well as creating and training a dedicated team to assemble them.
Jon Ramsdale adds: “I could not be prouder of the team – they have shown such passion, focus and attention to detail throughout the project, they have dedicated many long hours and weekends and have all been fundamental to its success.”
Craig Baker adds: “Mercifully the ventilators are no longer needed but we know that we have the strength in our manufacturing capability as well as the flexibility and skill of our associates to react and quickly respond to whatever challenge is thrown at us. Should the government require the ventilators, which we hope is never the case, we will be able to meet those requirements.”
This latest effort follows shortly after the company designed its own prototype for high-quality face shields, producing 13,000 units across both its Hull and Gloucestershire manufacturing sites in just two weeks. These face shields were distributed to NHS Gloucestershire, its nominated charity of the year, palliative care and bereavement charity, Sue Ryder, as well as the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust who cover Hull and East Yorkshire NHS.