Coronavirus: Brampton firm makes child-friendly visors

The cartoon additions are designed to make children less fearful

A group of designers has produced cartoon-themed coronavirus face shields for use on children's hospital wards.

Jon Stynes Designs in Brampton, Cumbria is also making visors for care homes and ambulance staff in the county.

Great Ormond Street Hospital in London has requested supplies, the firm said.

"Over the years we have had so much from the NHS with my wife going through breast cancer, so it's a perfect opportunity to give back to these amazing people," Mr Stynes said.

The company, which normally designs and manufactures for theatres and exhibitions, said it was asked by the children's ward at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary if it could make protective face shields that were less frightening for children.

"Since then, the design has been seen by the right people and the hospital got in touch," Mr Stynes said.

"It feels fantastic to help out."

The firm is making standard versions for surgeries, ambulances and care homes

The firm is now producing both standard visors and cartoon versions, designed by graphic designer Tim Ellis.

It has added "lugs" to keep the elastic off the wearers' ears, which it was told "becomes very painful after a long shift".

The visors can be sterilised and reused, unlike some 3D-printed types which are porous and can only be used once, it said.

The company is fundraising to cover the cost of materials and is receiving cost-price from hospitals. But it is giving free visors to care homes and ambulance workers and would not make a profit, it said.

It has supplied all hospitals and emergency services in Cumbria and also planned to send visors to the North East Ambulance Service, it said.

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