March 27, 2020 – To protect healthcare workers working directly with COVID-19 patients, Staten Island based Solvelight Robotics has designed and donated face shields to Richmond University Medical Center.
“The safety and protection of our patients and staff has been and always will be our top priority,” president and chief executive officer, Dr. Daniel J. Messina, said. “On behalf of everyone at Richmond University Medical Center, thank you to Solvelight Robotics for thinking of us and our patients during this critical time.”
Founded in 2014 and located in Great Kills, Solvelight Robotics provides 3D printers, unmanned vehicles, exoskeletons, materials, and general robotics to large and small businesses and institutions including the United States Army, NASA and Xerox. Solvelight Robotics printed the face shields for the hospital using its 3D printers and a combination of in-stock materials and protective plastic. The face shields were approved by the hospital’s Infection Prevention & Control Department before being distributed to staff for use.
The idea to create and donate the face shields started when Ruvin Fidman, chief financial officer of Solvelight Robotics said, “Everyone is having a hard time sourcing these face shields. We could technically just print them ourselves.”
The first batch of 10 face shields was delivered to Richmond University Medical Center on March 26. A second batch of masks will be donated next week. The hospital is closely following the PPE protocols developed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) to ensure doctors, nurses and ancillary staff are fully protected while caring for patients.
