Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced a new type of aerosol shield designed by motor racing engineers.
The ‘Oxford Box’ is being used on COVID-19 wards to improve the treatment of COVID-19 patients and improve the safety for clinical staff.
Designed to keep frontline staff safe during the intubation of patients, the ‘Oxford Box’ has been developed by businesses in the Silverstone Technology Cluster network, including Cluster Ambassador Dr Cristiana Pace’ Enovation Consultancy Ltd and motorsport engineering company, STC member One Group Engineering and Renault DP World Formula 1 Team.
Bianca Tingle, a Consultant Anaesthetist at OUH, has been involved in the development of the new device, said: “We believe the Oxford Box is the best aerosol shield available. We predict it will be used beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“It is unique because it is completely collapsible, easy to stow away – space is a precious commodity in hospitals – and is much easier to clean than other similar devices being developed, which helps enormously with infection control. These were the key features we were looking for.”
“It adds a vital layer of protection for clinical staff. Removal of PPE is the riskiest moment for us, but keeping aerosols inside the Oxford Box greatly reduces contamination of us and the surrounding area.”
Cristiana Pace commented “The problem-solving skills and agility of our industry, combined with the clinical knowledge and expertise of Oxford University Hospitals, resulted in a cost-effective state-of-the-art solution, able to keep clinicians safe during their invaluable day-to-day work. One Group Engineering and Renault DP World F1 Team were both instrumental in achieving this result in such a short timeframe.”
“As well as looking at the ergonomics and conceptual design, we are planning on assessing and reducing the carbon footprints of this product, underlining our responsibility to transition to circular economy.”
The STC has applied for government funding through Innovate UK.
Paul Cusdin, Head of CFD, Renault DP World F1 Team’s “We modelled the speed, direction and air flow as we would in F1 and were thus able to advise the best placement, size and shape of the box to take its protection level to near 100 percent for the treating medic.”
“The models were complex to establish, but by applying the principles we would do in developing a car, we were able to improve its protection and condense development from months to weeks.”
