Contechs Medical, a division of the leading automotive design, engineering, and recruitment specialists Contechs, has developed a new range of culturally appropriate PPE headwear to help the UK’s medical and care professionals combat against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Branded HairTech, the products are designed to allow people of all cultures and religions to feel comfortable while at work; Contechs Medical has produced two unique types of single use PPE garments – a Hijab and a multi-hairstyle hat – that will be made available for all sexes in the BAME community.
Expertly designed to allow access to ears for face mask and equipment application, the single use multi-hairstyle hat is a one-piece design that features an elasticated forehead and neck to retain various hair styles.
Both HairTech products are easy to fit and remove, the hat is able to fully enclose hair and development is ongoing to cater for a variety of different hair lengths.
Contechs Medical’s HairTech Hijab design offers full neck and shoulder coverage and features wrap around technology to allow for adjustable tailor fitment on head or neck shape. The one-piece design comprises two Velcro attachment points to compensate for necessary adjustments and also allows easy access to ears for face mask and equipment application.
As with the multi-hairstyle hat, the Hijab is for single use only but can be developed using reusable material and fully recyclable.
User testing is now complete and positive feedback received for both garments by the UHB. Originally designed and developed for UHB, Contechs Medical is currently in the process of initially pushing the culturally bespoke PPE out to all of the trusts within the West Midlands and is also planning to distribute nationally.
Established following the Government’s call to arms for increased PPE supply in March 2020, Contechs Medical manufactures protective products such as gowns, shrouds, masks, and face shields after a substantial investment in new production facilities, equipment and quality control systems
Pete Jarvis, Managing Director of Contechs, said, “We quickly identified that culturally appropriate PPE – especially headgear – wasn’t available to those with religious or cultural beliefs. Indeed, this isn’t just limited to medical environments, it’s the same for any situation where hair has to be covered such as scientific research labs and food preparation areas, for example.
“Contechs’ innovative and forward-thinking approach therefore allowed us to diversify and expand our PPE products for medical and healthcare professionals across the UK.
“We’re proud to be supplying Britain’s brave key workers and medical staff with high-quality culturally appropriate protective equipment during their fight against the epidemic, making their working lives easier and making those with cultural or religious requirements to feel more comfortable.”
