Quedgeley-based firm Kier is using its construction expertise to support the NHS in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The company, who built the new Gloucester Transport Hub and who are responsible for the overhaul of Shire Hall, has been assigned the job of converting the conference centre at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) into a temporary hospital.

The site in the south west of England, will be a new NHS Nightingale hospital and form part of the NHS' nationwide efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

By transforming the conference centre, Kier will provide North Bristol NHS Trust with additional beds and facilities, to cater for up to 1,000 patients.

Procured through the Department of Health & Social Care's ProCure22 (P22) framework, Kier and its local supply chain are now on site with works set to be complete and operational later this month.

Anthony Irving, managing director for Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: "This temporary hospital at the conference centre at the University of the West of England is vital to help support the NHS efforts with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have been agile to respond to the needs of the NHS and I'd like to thank our supply chain partners, as well as Kier Professional Services who are providing us with engineering support.

"The teams are delivering this new medical facility with such skill, determination and commitment."