A County Durham firm has created 10 new jobs as it tries to produce 100,000 face shields a week for use in the NHS.
Consett company Surgical Dynamics, which normally develops innovative medical devices, has switched production and expanded its factory space to help produce protective shields that can be used by staff treating patients with coronavirus.
The company has sourced components locally to make a certified face shield, taking on two supervisors and eight temporary staff to help meet its 100,000 target.
It has also added 5,000 sq ft to its premises at the Number One Industrial Estate to ensure staff can work safely at social distances.
Mark Jessop, managing director of Surgical Dynamics, said: “Like most people we felt helpless whilst watching the pandemic unfold.
“We really wanted to help the frontline staff who are putting their own health at risk to save others. We were able to produce a prototype shield fairly quickly with the knowledge and equipment that are have in-house.
“We then needed help with approvals and distribution, which is where the Academic Health Network for the North East and North Cumbria is proving invaluable, helping us to get the product into the right hands.”
The Academic Health Network has connected the company to NHS organisations across the North, and the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has been advising on the design.
Charlotte Fox, innovation manager at the Academic Health Network, said: “It’s encouraging to see businesses across the region adapting and exploring innovative approaches in response to Covid-19.
“We are able to provide a range of support to innovators and we would be keen to hear from anyone who has a product, service, or technology that could assist the NHS during the pandemic.”
Surgical Dynamics joins a number of North East companies and individuals who are making protective equipment for NHS and other organisations working to treat people with coronavirus and treat people with the illness.
Companies including Barbour, The All-In-One Company and John Lewis have joined an effort by the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to make protective gowns for health workers, while staff from the likes of Northumbria University and Northumberland College have also joined the effort.
