Fife community backs fundraiser for face shields

Kevin Lancaster and Fiona Corps have been producing face shields using a 3D printer, delivering them those who are working to protect people in the local community.

Thanks to the support of people in the area, an online fundraiser has now collected more than £2725, which will be used to make more masks.

The pair have been able to purchase two more printers, so they are now able to make around 30 of the shields every day.

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community and beyond,” said Fiona.

“We have received donations from friends, family and total strangers. Everyone that has been willing to part with their hard-earned cash in such difficult times is just awesome.”

Funds have come from groups such as the Craws Nest Trust, the Upstart Foundation and Mary Leishman Association.

Seven-year-old Daisy Murray from Anstruther even donated £113 from her collection bottle.

Face shields have now gone out to workers in the area, such as Pittenweem Health Centre, East Neuk Pharmacy and Willow House.

Unfortunately, face shields which were donated to some community nurses were returned. NHS Fife said it has received face visors and other similar items from the public, but these have to meet the safety requirements of official medical device regulations. However, this process can not be done locally by NHS Fife.

The board’s executive lead for procurement, director of finance, Margo McGurk said the generosity of Fifers has been “overwhelming” but said they have “sufficient” supplies of PPE.

She added: “The argument has been made that such devices are better than no protection at all, however, we are clear that we have adequate supplies of visors to ensure that all staff have the appropriate protection. Importantly, not all healthcare staff are required to wear visors and we are satisfied that we currently have sufficient quantities to protect those staff who are required to use them.”

Councillor Linda Holt responded: “It’s good to hear that the partnership now believe they have adequate PPE. Up until a week or so ago that was manifestly not the case, which is why people in communities stepped forward to manufacture face shields using 3D printers.

“From the start, FHSCP have not been open and honest with councillors or the public about PPE supplies for all health and social care staff. Nor have they been able to embrace help offered by communities, perhaps because it would highlight their own inadequacies.”