​Manchester-based Wythenshawe Hospitals Acute Intensive Care Unit (AICU) team has won the 2023 Association of Anaesthetists Innovation Prize for a distinctive and special PPE. This is also known as (Personal Protective Equipment) for COVID – 19 solutions to ensure healthcare workers are kept safe whilst continuing to improve and enhance the patient experience.

The Association of Anaesthetists Innovation award acknowledges the importance of innovation in healthcare, for the benefit of patient care, safety, and improvements throughout hospital environments.

Working alongside members of the University of Manchester such as colleagues and individuals on the frontline such as healthcare staff at the Designing Science LTD, developed Bubble – PAPR – which is cost - effective as well as sustainable.

The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust team, ensured to take comprehensive evaluations, supporting the clinical effectiveness when assessing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of Bubble – PAPR.

The Intensive Care Consultant also known as Professor Brendan McGrath, at Wythenshawe Hospital, clinical lead through the Bubble – PAPR testing, and development process said.

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“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award as a result of creating Bubble-PAPR, in collaboration with The University of Manchester and Designing Science Ltd.

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“At the start of the pandemic, the PPE we had on the frontline restricted vision and communication with colleagues and patients and could be oppressive when worn for long periods of time.

“The Bubble-PAPR collar can be refurbished and re-used. Due to its simple design, it can be easily and cheaply manufactured, and by understanding and evaluating the environmental impact of Bubble-PAPR, we believe we have set a benchmark for future evaluation of all PPE.

“We are excited about Bubble-PAPR and believe that it could be a valuable addition to the high-level PPE options available to protect frontline healthcare staff.”

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The Bubble – PAPR can be worn by any healthcare professional in need of protection from airborne highly infectious diseases. The reusable Bubble – PAPR is used by the collar sitting around the neck that contains a fan to draw in the air through the viral particle filter and deliver a cooling and clean airflow around the face.

Bubble PAPR will continue to be used widely in 2023 and has been licensed by an established healthcare manufacturer.