Southampton Hospital Leads Charge with Revolutionary COVID-19 Protective Hood
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has smashed the UK barrier as the first hospital to roll out a game-changing respirator hood for frontline staff battling COVID-19. This cutting-edge gear, dubbed PeRSo, promises to boost safety and tackle PPE shortages head-on.
Meet PeRSo: The High-Tech Hood Changing the PPE Game
- Designed in just a week by top minds at the University of Southampton and the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.
- Features a fabric hood and crystal-clear plastic visor that shields the face.
- Powered by a belt-mounted fan and HEPA filter, delivering air cleaned to 99.95% purity.
- Wear it for 8-9 hours nonstop—fully reusable after a quick clean.
After successful ward tests last month, UHS snapped up 5,000 units from Southampton-based manufacturer INDO. The gear is now undergoing clinical checks to potentially replace surgical masks in select areas.
Innovators and Experts Unite in PPE Revolution
Professor Paul Elkington, respiratory medicine specialist at Southampton, led the charge with engineering pros from the University and industry heavyweights like McLaren and Kemp Sails. He said:
“Frontline staff face constant COVID-19 risk, and PPE shortages have been a constant headache. We’ve created a simple, effective solution that offers better protection and eases supply chain stresses.”
“The HEPA filter cleans over 99.95% of harmful particles, while the mask shields against splashes and accidental face touches—cutting infection risk drastically.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Derek Sandeman praised the innovation:
“This breakthrough shows the incredible expertise in our city. We’re proud to pioneer what could become a vital tool for healthcare workers worldwide.”
Professor Hywel Morgan added:
“This is a perfect example of universities, hospitals, and industries joining forces to meet the pandemic head-on with smart, practical solutions.”
What’s Next for PeRSo?
Though PeRSo is cleared as an alternative to surgical masks, it’s still being evaluated for use in high-risk zones where FFP3 masks with visors are standard. If it passes all tests, it could revolutionise PPE for healthcare workers battling COVID-19 globally.
