Taylorian 2020

39 News I n response to the growing spread of COVID-19 in March, BBC London News covered the production of NHS face shields by theMTS Design, Technology and Engineering Department. Under the guidance of Mr Duffey, hundreds of these were initially produced by staff and boys, all gratefully received by medical and care professionals in the London area. On hearing of this coverage (which generated huge demand for the masks nationwide) OMT Jonathan Duck, CEO of Amtico Flooring, offered to adapt his factory so that key parts could be sent toMTS for assembly, thus massively speeding up the production process. BBC News correspondent, Guy Lynn, whose initial story was picked up by the national BBC News Channel, then travelled to Coventry to interview Mr Duck, resulting in a follow-up news story in April. The additional coverage spurred further demand for the face shields which Mr Duffey and his team were able to meet, turning MTS into a hub and supplying other schools with the PPE to further ramp up production. In the end MTS produced 12000 units and supplied partner schools with parts to make an additional 9000 units. The story generated a huge amount of activity on social media, including many sincere messages of gratitude from health professionals. Mr J M S Rippier BBC London News covers DTE department’s provision of NHS face shields Staff and student volunteers with PPE manufactured in the Design Centre BBC News correspondent, Guy Lynn