Wrexham Glyndwr University boosts community support with accommodation and PPE assistance

Key workers tackling the coronavirus pandemic are staying in accommodation provided by Wrexham Glyndwr University - one of a series of support measures the university is offering.

The first workers moved into Glyndwr’s student accommodation this month and are carrying out key roles at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Each worker follows strict social distancing while using the accommodation, with the move intended to support those whose roles mean they will need temporary accommodation at the present time.

Wrexham Glyndwr University Director of Operations, Lynda Powell, said: “We understand the demands which our key workers are facing and, with most students not currently in student accommodation, we wanted to offer it to the key workers who are helping to keep our NHS running.

“We have liaised with the health board and other organisations to ensure we were meeting their needs – and have been very pleased to welcome our first residents. We will continue to work with partner organisations both in Wrexham and across Wales to offer similar help where it’s needed.”

Meanwhile, the university will be donating both further supplies and additional volunteers to a PPE production facility set up in Wrexham to help healthcare workers on the coronavirus front line.

The latest donation will see both raw materials and a further 3D printer provided to Hwb Wrecsam -as the facility is known - which is being operated by volunteers at Ysgol Clywedog in the town. The university is among a range of businesses and organisations to have already donated equipment to the effort - after an initial donation of relevant equipment from the university’s Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology.

Alongside the physical supplies, a team of volunteers including both staff and a team of ten students are also on hand to lend their support to the project. Senior Lecturer in Engineering Martyn Jones has been working to co-ordinate both supplies and volunteers from the university with hub organisers, with the first Glyndwr volunteer taking up their role this morning (Friday, April 24.)

A team based at Glyndwr’s OpTIC Technology Centre at St Asaph are also working to produce PPE equipment using 3D printing technology – and liaising with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to ensure it reaches healthcare staff most in need.

Staff from across the university also collaborated to ensure PPE such as facemasks, gloves, aprons and more were donated to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The equipment, which would usually be used by students on courses across the university during tutorials, was gathered by Rachel Jones, Faculty Engagement and Liaison Officer in the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, and given to the Maelor.

Wrexham Glyndwr University Vice Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, said: “Right across North East Wales, there are teams of staff and students based at our university who have lent their time, skills and more to help our community get through the current challenges it faces.

“Whether that is offering our accommodation and facilities to help key workers and those in need, donating time and equipment to the effort to develop PPE for both the Maelor and Glan Clwyd, or helping to boost the skills of healthcare professionals across North and Mid Wales, our staff are working as part of a much wider community effort.

“I’d like to thank both them, and everyone they are working alongside, for all that they are doing.”