AN MP who is returning to work as a GP to help NHS staff in the battle against Covid-19 partnered with a company to help deliver vital Personal Protective Equipment.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, has been working with Qioptiq, who are based in St Asaph.

The company, which manufactures photonic products, donated 5,000 masks and some visors which will be split between Denbighshire County Council Social Care and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

The operation was facilitated by James, who in recent weeks has been encouraging local companies to do all they can to help ensure social and health care staff have all the protective equipment they require in the battle against Covid-19.

Dr Davies, who picked up the masks from Qioptiq and delivered them to Denbighshire County Council and the health board, said: "Unfortunately there remain concerns over a shortage of PPE here in North Wales, so this contribution by Qioptiq is very welcome indeed and I know those on the frontline will be extremely grateful for it.

“I wish to thank the company for the generous donation. However, I must emphasise that more PPE is still desperately needed and I urge anyone who is in a position to help, to follow Qioptiq’s excellent lead.

“Our frontline staff are doing truly amazing work in this moment of national emergency and the very least we can do is ensure they have appropriate protective equipment to help safeguard them. We need masks, protective gloves, visors and goggles.

"While I am pressing for North Wales to receive its fair share of these from Welsh Government supplies, we must ensure every other opportunity is taken to prepare local services”.

Peter White, managing director, Qioptiq Ltd and vice president Excelitas Land Equipment, said: “We are delighted to support health care professionals from our local community in the battle to contain the Covid-19 virus. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected."

Dr Davies, along with his colleague Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, has been in contact with the cabinet secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething AM, to highlight concerns over a shortage in North Wales and to urge him to ensure that the region does not get left behind.

“We are hearing from some constituents and frontline staff that they are having to buy their own PPE, or improvise based on what is available from other sectors, such as construction," he said.

"Some 10 per cent of the BCUHB is isolating which is making work and support even more difficult. We have told the Health Secretary that this is unacceptable and called for assurances that the supply of PPE for North Wales will take into account these reports and the anticipated rapid consumption over the coming days and weeks.

“We have also emphasised to him our concerns regarding care homes and social care staff, who already report that they do not have access to the PPE they need for their work. Their concerns are backed by senior local council figures. A failure to prevent infection in social care settings will have catastrophic effects. Again this is unacceptable.

“Another issue we highlighted was the concerns of pharmacists in North Wales regarding the rising tensions and anger from their patients.

"Local pharmacists are often an under appreciated public health service and their contribution and connections are vital within our communities. They too need access to PPE that will help maintain their own frontline services”.

Any companies in the Vale of Clwyd who are in a position to help provide PPE or ventilators can email James at: james.davies.mp@parliament.uk