Police officer prints PPE to help in coronavirus battle

A Leicestershire officer is helping to protect the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

PC Maciej (Mack) Sokolowski is producing a piece of personal protective equipment.

Mack has been part of the force since 2009, but he also runs a 3D printing company.

He usually creates battle figures and accessories for wargaming, he’s now turned his efforts to the battle on coronavirus – by making face mask straps for frontline healthcare staff.

When he's not working as a police officer, Mack has been creating around 50 straps a day on his two 3D printing machines to donate to the NHS.

The straps are designed to help alleviate discomfort around the ears that can be caused by the elastic on the masks.

He's delivered around 350 straps to the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s emergency department but he has also shipped to doctors and nurses in hospitals across Cambridge, Surrey and London after posting online about his product and being contacted by keyworkers.

He said: “My usual business has stopped during this time but as I have the equipment at home to be able help my colleagues in other frontline services who are tackling this pandemic head on.

“As a police officer I am doing my duty to help protect the NHS by reminding the communities in my beat to stay home but I can also help by creating parts of equipment we know is vital and in such high demand.

“I am pleased to be able to do my bit both in and out of uniform.”

Kerry Morgan, Deputy Head of Nursing for Emergency Care at the LRI, said: “On behalf of the Emergency Department staff I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Mack for the face mask straps.

“This is a great example of frontline staff supporting one another and Mack’s kind gesture is very much appreciated.”