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ARU delivers medical equipment to local NHS Trust

Devices used for training are sent to Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has delivered potentially lifesaving equipment to a local NHS Trust as it battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

The medical technology, including two ventilators and six portable ventilators, has been sent to the Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group, responsible for hospitals in Southend, Basildon and Chelmsford. These are ventilators that many staff are trained on and use in the course of their work, and so can be quickly put to use.

The equipment was being used for training purposes by ARU’s Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, which runs degree courses for doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals at its Chelmsford campus. 

Among other items delivered are four anaesthetic machines that can be used as temporary ventilators, nine cardiac monitoring devices, 10 defibrillators and 10 portable suction devices, which play an important role in the care of patients who are being ventilated.

The consignment also includes the faculty’s stocks of 20,000 disposable gloves, protective gowns and aprons, hats, surgical face masks, and hand sanitiser, which are essential for keeping healthcare workers safe, as well as alcohol-impregnated wipes used to clean medical equipment.

Professor Nigel Harrison, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of ARU’s Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, said:

“A range of staff within the university have worked collaboratively with colleagues in Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group to respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic, ensuring that equipment from our skills labs is made available to clinical services where there is the greatest need.”