Suppliers of protective glass window films, Protective Film Solutions, has donated more than 5,500 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals, care homes and other medical facilities across the country, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In normal times, the company distributes protective glass films for office spaces and retailers, as well as anti-fog film for freezers. At the start of lockdown, Protective Film Solutions acted quickly to convert its manufacturing facility, and by early April were producing and distributing vital protective visors for key workers free of charge.

Recipients of the visors include the coronavirus wards of Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn, as well as Heydeys Care and Support (Cumbria), 360HC Home Care (Wakefield) and Benllech Dental Surgery (Anglesey).

The films usually used for protecting freezers and windows have been repurposed to create face shields which cover the eyes, nose and mouth. The visors have a sturdy plastic headband to keep the visor in place, and an elasticated back to ensure a tight fight. Fabric masks can then be worn underneath.

Stephen Ball, Managing Director of Protective Film Solutions said: “When we saw the urgent calls for PPE from medical staff and care home workers, we knew we had to do something to help. The team at Protective Film Solutions has been amazing, volunteering to come into work to develop and manufacture the protective visors.

“We have donated over 5,500 visors already and intend to produce thousands more as required. We are beyond proud to be able to say we have contributed to keeping key workers safe while they risk their lives on the front line.”