Amount Awarded:

£60,000

Purpose:

Due to the coronavirus there were major PPE shortages across the UK and many hospitals across the UK were tackling the pandemic without essential PPE equipment such as gloves, visors and masks.

Crisis talks with Carmarthenshire County Council in March 2020 highlighted the urgent need for PPE equipment for Glangwilli hospital due to a 3 month delay with the previously contracted international supplier.

Something needed to be done locally to ensure PPE equipment was available in Carmarthenshire as soon as possible for front line workers across the county working for the local authority and the private sector.

Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Fund has to date provided funding for equipment and consumables for a local print farm:

15 printers and 202 reels of string £29,998.98 balance £1.02 from the £30k

Consumables and items from Bowen and Weaving £7282.51 leaving £22,717.49 from Project 103 to spend.

Impact:

As a result of the funding, Carmarthenshire’s capability to produce life-saving equipment has been greatly increased and the need to rely on foreign imports reduced.

This enabled front line workers to work safely and protect their patients, lowering potential infection rates and saving lives.

Should there be the predicted second wave, Carmarthenshire will be one step ahead and will be able to quickly and effectively provide PPE for its NHS heroes and reduce stress on hospitals and care homes in the county.

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:

“..we are seeing the very best in people, businesses and organisations who keep going above and beyond to try and meet them head on. Amman Valley MakerSpace is helping to protect our frontline healthcare heroes so they can focus on saving the lives of others. Incredible efforts such as theirs shows what is possible with innovation, collaboration, and urgency. I would like to thank them for all they are doing.”