St. Patrick College in Dungannon has started a personal fight against the Covid-19 crisis.
The College has been paying tribute to past pupils who now work in the care sector via their Facebook page posting photos of pupils to show their support for frontline care staff.
The Principal of St. Patricks College, Mrs Catherine McHugh speaking to Armagh I: “We wanted to find a way to say thank-you and we are pleased to pay tribute to past pupils who work in the care sector, they are now on the frontline fighting this pandemic head on in local hospitals and care homes. We had a desire to applaud and recognise these people, their service and their work”
“Of course these brave individuals don’t only work in the hospitals and care homes, but we also have current pupils working in local pharmacies and retail outlets on a part time basis serving the community”.
Following a conversation with the sister of one of the school’s teachers and recognising the shortage of PPE, the first batch of face visors was delivered to Belfast City Hospital, Ward 8 South, on April 10, which were made by using materials from the schools Science and Technology departments.
“Thanks to Mrs Brankin Head of Technology & Design and Mr O’Neill, Technician, we had a production line running and we were able to produce 50 visors for the ward,” added Mrs McHugh.
After experiencing a shortage of materials, the school put a call out on their Facebook page which saw local independent businesses coming to their aid, and thanks to the generosity of community members, the school’s visor production is up and running again.
The School received materials from David of Brothers Furniture and Interiors, Moy, as well as Brian Corrigan from Pomeroy Upholstery and Paul Donaghy Upholstery.
The school also received a kind donation of foam – cut up and ready to work with from Barry Murray from Fermanagh People’s Dáil.
Said Mrs McHugh: “The community has really rallied together. Another Special thanks to Marie Lavery, grandparent of our Year 14 student Eimear who bought and donated foam to us.”
Due to the donations received this week the school was able to deliver another 65 visors yesterday to be distributed to community nurses.
The small team at St. Patricks are working on an order for Coalisland and surrounding areas covid-19 Response Team which they are hoping to fulfil within days.
Recognising the need for social distancing, the team work in social distanced work stations and in shifts to ensure personal safety and to limit the number of people in the school at a time.
“This week we are commencing making Face Masks with a small sewing team. Really we have felt moved to do some small things to contribute to the great work and service of our HNS and Care sector frontline heroes”.
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