‘Wales’ greatest team effort’ – Dr Jamie signs up for front line
WALES and Lions star Jamie Roberts has volunteered his services to work for the NHS to help in the fight against coronavirus, writes Simon Thomas.
Having recently returned from a spell playing for the Stormers in South Africa, the qualified doctor contacted the Cardiff and Vale Health board to see if he could be of any assistance.
That has resulted in him taking up a position as a clinical innovation fellow, which will see him working in a motivational role and on the communications side.
The 94-cap centre believes this could prove to be Wales’ greatest ever team effort as the country pulls together to battle the virus.
Explaining his involvement, he said: “I have spent the last three months living in Cape Town, but obviously rugby out there was postponed indefinitely, so I came back to the UK.
“I just thought how can I play my part in this challenge we are all facing?
“Obviously I am sitting on a medical degree from Cardiff University. I graduated in 2013 and did a bit of research between then and now.
“I thought do you know what, I would love to help the cause here in Cardiff with the health board that helped me train as a doctor.
“Although I have never worked clinically, I just thought I could help lend an extra pair of hands, an extra brain into helping solve the challenge.
“My first few days here have been inspiring, to see how hard people are working and everyone playing their part. I won’t be doing any skilled clinical work.
“I may be on the wards doing some basic work.
“My role here is to help motivate staff and help the communications team, making sure we get the right messages across to the public and playing my role within an unbelievable team. I was never aware of exactly what goes on behind the scenes. The energy and enthusiasm is palpable and that’s inspiring during a time like this.
“So whatever I can do to help our staff at HQ and in the front line as well I am keen to play my part.
“With a medical background as well, I hope that helps.”
Giving his thoughts on the coronavirus crisis, Roberts said: “None of us have ever experienced anything like this. People see on the news every day about people dying from this disease and that number increasing.
Yes, it’s a scary time, there is no doubt about that.
“But we all have a part to play.”