A building contractor from near Oswestry has donated vital equipment including respirators to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital to protect staff during the on-going coronavirus outbreak.

Pave Aways, from Knockin, handed more than 50 respirators and boxes of hygiene gloves from its stores to the Gobowen hospital this week.

Pave Aways has a long association with the hospital having completed a number of building projects at the site including building the new main entrance, its records and archive building, hydropools and the drop-in operating theatres as well as refurbishing wards and more.

The firm made a decision to close down its sites recently during the government lockdown to protect the welfare of its staff, sub-contractors and suppliers.

But managing director Steven Owen said that has not stopped them from lending their support locally.

He added: “Having worked on a number of building projects in the healthcare sector and at this hospital in particular, our team has always known the value of the NHS and its staff.

"At this time, more than any other in recent history, they are continuing to deliver a high level of patient care in unprecedented circumstances.

“It was a small gesture on our behalf but one that we hope will make a difference to these healthcare heroes.

"We can’t thank them enough for what they are doing.”

Julie Roberts, assistant director of nursing, at the Orthopaedic Hospital, said: “Thank you to the team at Pave Aways for this extremely kind gesture, which will not only help to support our staff but also protect them and our patients during this challenging time.”