Like many other healthcare facilities, the hospital was required to put in place a series of measures to protect staff and visitors, including installing protective screens across its 122 bays.

DIS produced a prototype that underwent rigorous air flow, smoke detection and temperature testing inside the vast facility at Mill Pool Way in Edgbaston.

The purpose-built 5mm acrylic screens, which feature visual spots for safety reasons, passed all of the tests and were given the green light to be fitted - using a special steel bracket- to existing furniture.

As a result, dental students from the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry could safely continue their learning, while patients were able to receive treatment.

Professor Iain Chapple, former Head of the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, comments: “DIS reacted quickly to an issue we were having and showed great understanding in producing high quality bespoke screens that allowed us to teach and look after patients again safely.

“The fitters were very professional and went the extra mile, ensuring that our final year students stand a great chance of graduating this year, by creating a safe training environment.”

Dave Purcell, sales director at DIS, adds: “The Birmingham School of Dentistry has been our largest one-off project and involved a rapid turnaround to allow students and patients to return to their studies and to receive the treatment they desperately required.

“Whilst we have a number of off-the-shelf options, this design was bespoke and had to take into consideration protecting the furniture so it could be used after the pandemic has hopefully passed.

“The client was pleased with the outcome and we have now been approved to deliver similar systems across over 300 properties in the University of Birmingham Hospital Trust’s Estate.”

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