COVID-19 patients on Walsall Manor Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit, Ward 29 and Intensive Care Unit will be able to keep some lines of communication open thanks to a generous donation from a local firm.

Repc, which was based in Walsall for eight years and is now in West Bromwich, has donated a laptop, tablet and mobile phone to each of these areas to help people stay in touch during the pandemic.

Managing Director Bevil Williams initially contacted Walsall Healthcare Paediatric Consultant Professor Rashid Gatrad to ask about supporting patients with devices which the company recycles, re-engineers and re-uses working with companies such as Skanska and organisations such as Accord Group and whg.

Mr Williams said: “This is such a difficult time for many people and there are patients in hospital who are not able to have visitors and may be feeling very isolated despite the best efforts of the staff caring for them.

“We have donated a laptop tablet and phone for three areas so that patients can combat this loneliness and isolation. They can keep in touch with family and friends or use the devices for distraction, reading or playing games or doing puzzles. We are happy to help others in this way.”

Patient Experience lead for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Louise Mabley said this donation would be welcomed by many at this time.

“It is such a generous gesture from Repc and we are extremely grateful for the boost that this will give our patients – not to mention their worried families,” she said.

“We are liaising with IT colleagues and look forward to delivering these to the three areas as soon as possible.”