1 Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
My morning routine has changed a bit, but I still waken up at about six o’clock every day. I normally do a bit of a workout in my private gym, for an hour or so. Work is now on a scheduled, rota basis, with some days off, as opposed to routine daily scheduled hospital activities. That will change soon, as I will be taking early retirement from the NHS to concentrate on my Save a Heart charity in Nigeria, set up by volunteers from the cardiac surgery unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital to help establish affordable and sustainable open-heart surgery unit in Nigeria. Over the past six years, we have carried out over 150 free heart operations on local patients, in addition to training up the local teams.
2 What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? I’ll have a gluten-free cereal in lactose-free warm milk, then lemon juice and a slice of gluten-free bread. Breakfast is a heavy meal for me because of the intense nature of my work. You can never be sure you will get a break time for lunch.
Lunch? Lunch will be a fruit salad, an apple, one banana and a glass of water.
Evening meal? This will be a heavy meal, often rice or roast potatoes, with chicken or fish stew, topped with glass of white wine when I am not on call from the hospital. It’s difficult to enjoy meals with others when you have multiple food allergies.
3 Have you been able to work from home – and, if so, how have you found it?
I don’t really work from home – health workers are on the front line. However, when I’m not physically in the hospital, I will be video conferencing the multi-disciplinary team – the meeting link-up has been fantastic. Also, routine face-to-face clinics have been replaced by telephone consultations and it is reassuring to see how patients cherish such interaction.
4 Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Fresh tomatoes/fish sauce bread sandwich – it’s my original recipe, although my family don’t think much of it!
5 Weekend treat?
For me, a weekend treat is a late lie-in and watching television – anything from sports to evening entertainment. It is depressing to see the sports disappearing because of the lockdown.
6 How do you keep physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I use my gym for physical fitness and, like a lot of people, I’ve been reading more books than I ever did before, which helps, mentally. I also have lots of Zoom meeting with colleagues in developing countries and I find it helps me, giving them guidance on the latest information on how to keep safe and deal with patients during this pandemic.
7 What is your daily outdoor exercise?
I do a brisk 5km walk for one hour, each day, with my daughter. I find that very energising and refreshing.
8 How do you relax?
Watching television with my wife, mostly at weekends. Believe it or not, watching sports is relaxing for me, despite the noise, sometimes, especially when watching footy with friends. To help with sleep, I listen to classical music.
9 Teetotal or tipple?
Definitely tipple; I enjoy Guinness (Nigerian brewed) and wine – both red and white are acceptable whenever occasion arises.
10 What book are you currently reading?
I am on the last chapter of Nevertheless, the incredible story of one man’s mission to change thousands of people’s lives, by John Kirkby who started up Christians Against Poverty in 1996. It is a story of dedication, commitment and faithfulness in God’s willingness to help us out of any difficult situation.
11 Best Netflix?
Mostly Nollywood [Nigeria’s booming film industry] films, my favourite being Lionheart.
12 Most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?
I’m much fitter than I thought I was. I have discovered this while out doing my daily walks/runs.
13 On a scale of one to 10, where are you currently in relation to cabin fever and where do you think you will be in June?
I’m probably a five because, as a doctor, my lifestyle has not changed that much. However, I have found it tough, not being able to socialise. If travel restrictions are lifted and deemed safe, I will be out to Nigeria on Save a Heart Foundation medical charity mission as soon as I can. We have already missed out on the March/April trip.
14 What are the three things you miss most during lockdown?
Freedom of movement, socialising with my friends and not being able to travel to my native country to see my wider family.
15 Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are lifted?
Provided international travel is safe, I will be travelling to Owerri, a small town in Nigeria, where plans are under way for me to help them set up a functional heart surgery hospital. Next on the list will be a good family holiday to Jerusalem.
16 Biggest gripe?
I can’t understand people who are indecisive.
17 Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Yes, they have. The vulnerability of human life has never been exposed like this before. We should all look out and help the less privileged because we are all so vulnerable at the end of the day.
18 Any new skills or hobbies?
A bit of cookery, courtesy of too much time watching television – although, I have to say, it’s not going too well.
19 What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
I would like to see a united world with common goals. Can you see how a tiny invisible virus has made the notion of superpower completely irrelevant? Whether big or small, rich or poor, we are all so vulnerable.
20 Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes, we all have no control over our lives. You do your best and God knows the best for you. You can only look forward in hope.
:: Covid-19 and lockdown has had a major impact on Save a Heart activities – find out how you can help at Friends of Nigeria-RVH Save a Heart Foundation, saveaheartnigeria.org.uk, Facebook: Save a Heart Nigeria.
