The Ventilator Challenge UK is mentioned on BBC South Today in a news story about Surface Technology International limited (STI), an electronics manufacturer based in Hooke, which is building these lifesaving ventilators. PA Consulting is helping to coordinate the government’s overall ventilator programme.
The report explains that the government has placed an order with the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium for 15,000 ventilators; STI is making hundreds a week and aiming to make 1,500 a week within the next fortnight.
These ventilators will be sent to Penlon for final testing then on to a MOD holding area before being delivered to NHS hospitals.
In a government statement, Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Since we launched the Ventilator Challenge the ingenuity and innovation shown by so many companies has been truly awe-inspiring and has helped us continue to get ventilators to the frontline and keep capacity ahead of demand.
“Technology and innovation, operating hand-in-hand with the care and dedication of our fantastic health and social care staff, will help us overcome this virus.
“I want to thank every company, and their staff, for their phenomenal achievements in going forward to the next stage.”
Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove said: “The innovation, teamwork and commitment shown by manufacturers involved in the Ventilator Challenge has been inspirational.”
Discover all our insights related to COVID-19