‘I couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing’

Claire Nicholl, 65, had retired from the NHS, but she decided to return to the frontline during the pandemic. She was nominated by her daughter, Elizabeth.

As a geriatrician, I’ve always been committed to helping others, but when I turned 60, I decided to retire. I’d worked in the NHS as a consultant doctor for 30 years and felt it was time for new challenges.

Every year, my husband Nigel and I would head out to Botswana for a month. During the stay, I’d volunteer at the university hospital where I’d teach geriatric medicine to the students. I also did this in Pavia, Italy, as well as helping out at my old hospital, Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge. I never really had a full retirement, but I hate not doing things.

At the start of 2020, when I first heard about Covid-19, I thought: ‘How can I help?’ Every day throughout February and March I began to monitor the statistics in Italy and would plot how things may develop here in the UK. As their figures rose I became increasingly concerned, because I knew how advanced their medical equipment was. When it became evident how many people could die, I decided to write a paper on how local voluntary responses could be coordinated with statutory services, which I sent to the council and local director of Public Health.

The day before lockdown in March, I got a call asking if I’d work at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely. I was aware of how many student nurses and doctors were already risking their lives on the frontline, so I knew I couldn’t sit at home and do nothing. I bought my own scrubs and went to the hospital the next day.

As soon as I stepped into the building, I could sense the fear and anxiety among the staff. I worked on the rehabilitation ward, helping those who’d had Covid. It was shocking to see just how poorly people were after suffering from the virus.

STAYING POSITIVE

Despite being scared myself, I always tried to remain positive to keep patients’ spirits high, which was crucial. I’d perch beside their beds in my mask, apron and gloves and try to get to know them. It was important for creating a sense of normality.

But sometimes it became clear that some patients weren’t going to get better and I’d have to tell their families, suggesting that we should prioritise keeping them comfortable.

At the end of each shift, before entering my house, I’d use our outside shower. Nigel and I socially distanced; we ate at opposite ends of the table, I used a different bathroom and slept in the spare room so that I didn’t risk passing anything on to him. So when I finished at the end of July, it was lovely to be able to finally hug him again.

I was very tearful when I heard I’d been nominated for this award; it’s lovely to be singled out for your actions, but this was a joint effort with the staff on the Welney Ward at the Princess of Wales Hospital. I’m just relieved I’ve been able to help. I don’t know what the future will bring, but whatever happens, I’ll be ready to help again whenever I’m needed.

Elizabeth says: ‘I nominated my mum because I felt she was brave to come out of retirement, despite any risk to herself, in order to help the fight against Covid-19. She has always placed great value on ensuring older people receive the best care possible, and this was no different. My three-year-old, Rosanna, has been so impressed she plans to follow in Grandma’s footsteps into medicine.’