First New UK Ventilator Design Gets Green Light for NHS Battle Against Coronavirus
The UK government has given the thumbs-up to the first newly adapted ventilator from the Ventilator Challenge, ready to hit NHS hospitals and aid coronavirus patients.
Penlon’s Prima ES02: Ready for Action
The MHRA has officially approved Penlon’s Prima ES02 model after rigorous hospital testing. This cutting-edge, fully intubated mechanical ventilator supports critically ill patients with advanced volume and pressure controlled ventilation functions.
Penlon teamed up with the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium — featuring heavy-hitters like Ford, Siemens, UK Formula 1 teams, and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult — to adapt this design swiftly.
Government Orders 15,000 Devices as Production Ramps Up
The government has snapped up 15,000 Penlon ventilators, with hundreds expected to be built in the coming week. The first delivery of 40 units is rolling out from MOD Donnington today, heading straight to NHS frontline wards.
Smith’s paraPAC Plus Ventilators Already Helping Across UK
This news follows the recent arrival of another trusted ventilator, Smith’s paraPAC Plus, which started supporting patients across all four nations last weekend. With MHRA approval already in place, 80 units were produced last week, and production is speeding up into the hundreds.
Government Praises UK Manufacturing Heroes
“The approval of Penlon’s device underlines the significant progress being made in the Ventilator Challenge,” said Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove. “I pay tribute to the incredible ingenuity and commitment of our manufacturing industry, coming together as part of the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.”
Following the Prime Minister’s call last month for a manufacturing boost, top UK firms have joined forces with smaller companies to churn out ventilators fast. The UK currently has over 10,000 mechanical ventilators ready, with numbers set to surge thanks to homegrown innovation and overseas orders.
