NHS authorises the use of new clear face mask

NHS England’s Technical Assurance Division and Four Nations Review Panel have authorised use of an innovative transparent face mask. The mask has outperformed the standards that were set for them and is supposed to have similar levels of defense to a typical Type IIR medical mask.

Contechs is a top specialist design and engineering service supplier. Their clear mask is a pioneering product on the market due to its unique design- being the only transparent medical mask to be cleared for use in hospitals and other medical environments across the UK. Contechs has made a financial investment of £6.25 million and generated 150 employment opportunities in the UK.

Paul Chivers at NHS England and NHS Improvement said that “Throughout the approval process, Contechs has responded professionally at every level demonstrating their commitment to deliver a compliant product.”

MD of Contechs, Peter Jarvis, said: “We have achieved technical excellence, drawing on our automotive design and manufacturing expertise to produce a mask that is both cost effective and fit for purpose. Wearing a mask has caused tremendous difficulty for medical professionals working with people who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as children and the elderly. We wanted to provide an affordable, sustainable and inclusive solution.”

Dr. Grote has emphasised the necessity for this type of product to increase clear communication in a range of medical environments. One sixth of people in the UK are deaf or have difficulties hearing – with over 70% of over 70s experiencing these issues.

He stressed that: “It’s my hope that transparent masks become a staple and widely used PPE medical device throughout the NHS.”