Hartlepool design teacher creates vital PPE for the town's hospital trust staff

Carla Byrne, who is Head of Art and Technology at Dyke House Academy, has become the latest in a series of schools and individuals in the area to make PPE (personal protective equipment) to help keep key workers fighting Covid-19 safe.

A total of 110 face protectors produced by Carla are now being used at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton to help staff tackle the coronavirus.

Mrs Byrne said she felt it was important to put her skills to good use and used a laser cutter to make the masks which comprise of a headband and visor.

She said: “Being a part of an online Design and Technology community group, it made me both proud and inspired to see schools, colleges and universities come together to share resources in order to help one another turn our classrooms into production facilities.

“With support from colleagues I was able to construct the visors within a three day time period required for the NHS to collect.”

She wants to follow up her initial batch with more for care homes as soon as the academy can source the right materials.

Dyke House Principal Adam Palmer said: “Design and Technology as a subject has demonstrated an invaluable skill and ability to quickly and flexibly produce products, very much needed during this worldwide pandemic, to support and bridge gaps in the manufacturing of essential PPE for our local hospitals and care homes.

“Along with this, I hope it inspires students to think about how they can contribute to society and their community by developing products that may help or support someone in need.”

Dyke House says Mrs Byrne’s excellent efforts highlight how students can develop their skills and life experiences both inside and outside the academy.

Staff and students are being asked to sharing pictures and videos on social media of work and activities they are proud of as part of its Proud Thursday initiative.

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