Chris Bream, Rich’s Head of D&T, has been busy making face shields in School, the first shipment of which went out last week to two different GP surgeries and a local care home, with a large proportion also going to Cheltenham Hospital. We’ve had feedback that the shields were distributed and being used by hospital staff straight away.

“I saw that lots of D&T departments in Gloucestershire had started to make visors,” says Chris, “but were using a particular material we did not have - Polypropylene. It took a couple of days, but I re-thought the design that’s being shared freely on the internet, and modified it to use the materials we do have - High Impact Polystyrene.

“The face shield consists of a headband, with clear PVC attached to the front, and elastic wrapped round the back. The PVC and Polystyrene we had, but the elastic we didn't. Staff at Rich’s have responded fantastically and I have been receiving the lots more elastic over the last few days.

“A big thank you must go to Group HES at Innsworth, a company that has supported our careers fairs and work experience placements for Rich’s students, for the donation of more plastic materials.”

We’ve had some lovely responses from staff at Cheltenham Hospital and one of the GP practices:

“A huge thank you from Snowshill Ward who have received a box of the visors manufactured at Sir Thomas Rich’s School. They are already in use and preferred to those we are normally supplied with so you have a ten out of ten review from us. We are very touched by your kindness.” Claire Gregory, Snowshill Ward Clerk.

Nurses on the ward are pictured here wearing the masks.

“Hi there, I’m one of the doctors working on the COVID ward at Cheltenham General Hospital, and just wanted to say thanks very much for our visors! They fit really well and are much more durable and reusable than the cheap quality ones we were using before. We feel really safe in them and are grateful for your generous efforts. Below are a couple of pictures of Dr Raghuram, our Respiratory Consultant, showing off the new height of visor fashion. Best wishes and thanks again,” Dr Jen Collinson, Registrar Doctor in Acute Medicine at CGH.

“I thought I would send you a short email to thank you for making and delivering some face masks. We are very grateful for your support during these challenging times. If we do have any feedback or suggestions for improvement we will let you know. Once again, many thanks for the masks and your support. Regards and best wishes.” Philip Tagg, Practice Manager, The Alney Practice, Cheltenham.