Having retired from the University and the NHS in 2001 and from all operative surgery in 2005, I had to adjust to other roles. These included working for the Tribunals Service, then for a regulator inspecting hospitals, and still currently as an expert witness for major personal injuries in Claimants.

So of course I volunteered to return to the NHS to assist and to fight the Covid-19 pandemic as my skills were in the head and neck and included emergency tracheostomies. NHS England said thanks but you are too vulnerable (=an old stick or worse!).

A government employed agency then said would I help, starting yesterday. The answer had to be yes but not with you as you have financial motives.

So here I am, so far only a third class volunteer but highly trained, asking what I can do? Luckily my former teaching hospital contacted me and asked for advice for performing certain technical tasks in difficult circumstances with minimum equipment. So sorry to disappoint you but I am trying to help, have assisted only a very little and will try harder.

I also continue working to help the injured with civil claims by remote consultations via Skype. Could I use this opportunity to thank Mill Hill and particularly Don Hall, Boz Bee, Alan Turnbull and others for a wonderful start.

We were the year that had our O-levels taken away from us and all 32 had to retake in the first year sixth form. Imagine it...

Hugh Cannell MD FDSRCS (1948-54 BB).
Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.