A HOTEL group has joined forces with a manufacturer in Vietnam to provide protective gear to healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Golden Lotus Investment group, which owns the Charm Boutique Hotel and Spa in New Steine, Brighton, has been sending personal protective equipment (PPE) to Sussex NHS trusts and hospices, including Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice near Arundel and St Barnabas House Hospice in Worthing.

Managing director of the group Leo Nguyen, who comes from Vietnam, was able to partner with a manufacturer there to supply masks, gowns, goggles and gloves to healthcare staff in Sussex.

Despite Vietnam’s position and its extensive trade with China, the country’s containment strategy has resulted in 382 confirmed cases and zero deaths from coronavirus.

Mr Nguyen said: “Vietnam has been very lucky, so since the outbreak of Covid-19 our priority has been the safety and wellbeing of our employees, our customers and our communities in Brighton and all over Sussex. Our contribution is to say thanks to the awesome NHS staff and all those frontline workers who have remained focused on doing the right thing for all of us.”

Jo Bacon, corporate and gifts fundraiser at St Barnabas said: “We are so grateful for the kind and generous donation of PPE for our care teams at Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House. Thank you so much.”