Errol is a 58-year-old man, who lives in Tower Hamlets, London. He was born in the UK; his parents came to England in 1950s from Jamaica. He is divorced and lives alone in a one-bedroomed flat. He has two grown up children, who do not live with him. A 25-year old daughter who has recently qualified as a nurse and is working in A&E in a large London hospital; and a 21-year old son who is in his final year at university in Birmingham.
Errol has type 2 Diabetes which was diagnosed 4 years ago. His father also has type 2 diabetes. Errol was started on insulin before lockdown and saw his diabetes nurse regularly for support. He takes his blood sugars twice a day with a blood glucose meter. He is overweight and struggles to maintain the healthy diet recommended by his Diabetes Specialist Nurse.
Errol was working as a salesperson in a furniture store. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, he has been furloughed from work. He is worried that the retail store might have to close for good, and he will be made redundant. He feels isolated and vulnerable – fearful of going out because of the high incidence of COVID-19 in his area of London. His routine Diabetes Specialist Nurse appointments are now by telephone. His family are unable to visit him – he is worried that his daughter may pass on the virus because she is working in the NHS; and his son’s flatmate recently tested positive for COVID-19, so his son must self-isolate.
