The industry-leading manufacturer of infection control systems has produced a limited number of face coverings with the same, innovative fabric it uses to make tubular bandages.
Manufactured using high quality, durable yarns and Vernacare’s MultiStretch Technology,the face coverings are lightweight, breathable and do not irritate the skin.
The company, which is based in Chorley, has pledged more than 500 face coverings to a number of charities across Chorley and Bolton including: Help the Homeless, Storehouse Pantry, Four Paws Dog Rescue, Mental Health Independent Support Team, Inspire Youth Zone and OnSide Youth Zone.
Current government regulations state that people must wear a face covering at all times on public transport or when attending a hospital as a visitor or outpatient.
Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England became mandatory on 24 July and from 8 August more indoor settings were added to the list.
James Steele, Chief Executive Officer of Vernacare, said there had been high demand for their products after guidance from the World Health Organization stipulated that all healthcare facilities use single-use and disposable products.
“We are extremely proud to have been supporting frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic and, as people try to navigate through the new normal, we wanted to do even more and give something back to charities in our local communities.
“We looked at how our existing materials could be used to make face coverings and the fabric used in our tubular bandages seemed to be the perfect fit.
“We have evolved our manufacturing processes to create the new face coverings and a limited number have gone into production.
“Our MultiStretch Technology means they are breathable, lightweight and don’t irritate the skin and, because they are washable, they are a sustainable product.
“We have already given these face coverings to our staff, suppliers and customers and have had great feedback, so we hope they will help charity volunteers carry on with their important work in the local community.”
Vernacare has increased production by more than 60 per cent during the last few months to produce disinfecting wipes, disposable bedpans and urinals as well as hospital macerators to dispose of waste safely.
The teams have worked round the clock to distribute vital supplies across the UK and to over 50 countries — among one of the first orders was a consignment of disinfectant wipes sent to Wuhan, China.
Vernacare’s service engineers have installed macerator systems into dedicated COVID-19 wards at many NHS trusts and they have also supplied single-use toileting systems to Nightingale hospitals in London, Glasgow and Birmingham.
The company has also donated items, including waterless bathing products, to medical teams in South Africa and Mexico.
