UKFT Member Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub produces personal protective equipment (PPE) co-designed with the NHS, for the healthcare sector. The hub was born from the sudden demand for PPE at the beginning of the global pandemic. As the local demand quickly outstripped national supply, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust took the decision to open its own PPE factory in Cramlington (Northumbria).

At the end of 2020, Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub produced 2 million isolation gowns. Following the success of this innovative venture, the trust purchased a larger space of 40,000 sq./m from which to run its operations. Extending its capacity and capability enabled the hub to increase its product range, which includes isolation gowns, scrubs, masks, pillows, theatre hats and hoods.

Now able to manufacture a wide range of textile products, the hub is paving the way for the future of PPE provision for the healthcare sector. It also provides the refurbishing of old furniture by its in-house upholsterers:

“In 2022, the hub expanded and started a re-upholstery service, offering a new lease of life to hospital and office furniture. Providing significant cost savings, the reupholstery service avoids the unnecessary costs associated with disposing and replacing furniture and helping extend the lifespan of clinical chairs, couches, boots, office chairs and much more,” commented the Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub team.

Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub is in a unique position, as it has a privileged access to healthcare professionals due to its connection with the NHS. Clinicians test the products and provide feedback around comfort and functionality, which can lead to improving the standards of the healthcare market and to making products more comfortable for staff who could potentially wear the items for 12+ hours a day.

The hub is committed to delivering high-quality service to its clients, protecting the environment, and providing a safe and healthy workplace for its staff. It currently has three ISO certifications from the British Assessment Bureau, including: ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) and ISO 45001:2018 (occupational health and safety).

Sarah Rose, Divisional Director at Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, concluded:

“Our factory continues to go from strength to strength and has developed at pace. Now officially known as the Northumbria Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, PPE production will be just one of the uses of the site going forward, with future plans including the development of an NHS laundry for the region and beyond, reducing costs and environmental impact.”

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