Goggles help ease anxiety at local hospital

Plastic goggles donated by Goldsmiths, University of London have proved invaluable to a local mental health facility as they struggled to procure suitable protective gear.

Protective eyewear usually used by students studying for PGCE Science Education at Goldsmiths was donated to nursing staff at Lambeth Hospital last month after a student alerted course leaders to the hospital’s shortage.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals and care homes, with the UK government attempting to meet the increased needs of frontline workers through manufacturing and procurement of PPE at home and from overseas. 

Many styles of protective face covering, including those provided by the NHS are not well-suited for staff and patients in mental health facilities. 

Simon Darnley, Head of Nursing, Quality and Infection Control at the South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust said: “Some of our patients have different understandings about the current situation. They are often unable to comply with self-isolation and may be aggressive as part of their illness.”

“The sturdy goggles donated by Goldsmiths are hardwearing and can be cleaned and re-used. They went straight into use the minute we received them and have really reduced staff anxiety and prevented cross infection. We have also opened our first Covid-19 mental health ward and the goggles are an important part of the protection for staff. We can’t thank you all enough.”

The donation of around 60 pairs of goggles was organised by Anna Grant, Lecturer in Education, and Department Business Manager David Ramsay.

Alongside the donation from the Department of Educational Studies, teams of Goldsmiths staff members have been working in their homes and safely in Goldsmiths’ art and design studios to 3D print and laser cut thousands of plastic face-guards for donation to local hospitals.