DEDICATION

On 27 September 2020, COVID-19 claimed its one millionth victim, exactly 200 days after the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic. In that time, more than 33 million had been infected by the virus, which maintains its relentless march across the planet as the number of cases and fatalities continues to grow. As we reached year end 2021, the number of globally declared cases had passed 288 million while the recorded number of fatalities was approaching 5.5 million.

This global emergency has shone a light on the selfless devotion and bravery of health workers the world over. Sometimes labouring with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), in traumatic conditions, while frequently putting their own lives in jeopardy, they continued to do their absolute best for their patients.

This book is dedicated to them …

… and to Vic Robinson, who sadly lost his battle with COVID-19 on 25 January 2021, aged 69 years. A great guy who will be much missed.