Texas Startup Jupe is Helping Covid-19 Efforts by Creating Pop-Up Hospital Rooms
Potentially one of the most worrying parts of Covid-19, is the limited amount of space within hospitals. At a time when we’re encouraged to stay six feet apart, hospitals are at (if not exceeding) max capacity. Texas startup Jupe, is trying to solve this issue, and quickly, by creating portable isolation units. Jupe Health is a rapid-deployment recovery space designed for comfort, care and wellness. The three units are highly scalable, cost effective, and easily transportable. The intention is to have them as an immediate response for emergency bedding solutions, equipped with technology and amenities to support containment efforts in hospitals and clinics.
Pop-Up Hospital Rooms
‘REST’ units are 8.5 x 13 ft and contain beds, batteries, storage, waste containers, a personal Wi-Fi network, USB charging and lighting, with optional air filtration systems and climate control. They’re to be set up for medical professionals as a chance to rest near hospitals and/or isolated from their families.
‘CARE’ units add to this, being double the size as the ‘REST’ unit and with a full bathroom and simple kitchen. They’re also off-grid, meaning they can be set up even in the most remote of places.
‘PLUS’ units provide a minimal intensive care unit (ICU), equipped with all medical equipment necessary to treat someone in need: personal protection equipment (PPE) , ventilators and a connected don/doff chamber.
These units have better sanitation and comfort than a tent, but more transportability than containers (24 units can be transported by one truck). And, unlike tents that hospitals are using currently, Jupe’s units give each patient their own room, helping with isolation and decreasing the risk of spread. They’re also designed to be quiet and dark, to provide a more restful environment.
The Necessities of Covid-19
Potentially the most difficult component of this pandemic (or any), is the lack of forewarning. Which means that people, companies, and the health sector as a whole, have to react as quickly as possible to an ever-changing situation. So, when speed is key (and a hospital usually takes more than two years to build) it makes sense to turn to modular construction. This method of building – prefabricating standardized components in a factory, and then assembling them quickly on site – is a fast, flexible, less wasteful alternative to traditional construction.
Although Jupe would have surely preferred more time, and there is worry that the units won’t be commercially available until too late, the company’s on track for its units to hit the market in the fall (which is also when a potential second wave of Covid-19 cases is expected). And, this is a long term solution; this crisis affected us mostly because we weren’t prepared, but these units can be bought and stored, in the event of another global pandemic.
The Company
Jupe’s development has been fast-tracked, but was originally designed for a different purpose. The company’s portable units were to house those displaced by natural disasters, refugees, and those experiencing homelessness. The company plans to get back to that strategy, but for now recognized the more immediate need.
Are you developing an innovative product to help in the global crisis? Your work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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