A ‘living legend’ NHS doctor who kept on working part-time after retirement has died of coronavirus.

Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, died on Tuesday after battling the virus for two weeks, his son Dani said in a social media post.

He wrote yesterday: ‘Today at approx 7.30am, Dr Alfa Saadu (my dad) died of the coronavirus. 

‘He had been fighting the virus for two weeks but he could not fight anymore. The NHS were amazing and did everything they could. 

‘My dad was a living legend, worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years saving people’s lives here and in Africa. Up until he got sick, he was still working part-time saving people. 

Dani told Huffpost: ‘He was a very passionate man, who cared about saving people.

‘As soon you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up.

‘He was a massive family man and we did everything together. Family came first. He left two sons and a wife, who is a retired doctor herself in occupational health.’

Dr Saadu worked part-time at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, until he died.

After migrating to the UK from Nigeria, he rose to become medical director of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in 2016.

Lance McCarthy, Chief Executive at Princess Alexandra Hospital, said in a statement: ‘Alfa was well-known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received high quality care,” he said.

‘He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many. His family and friends are in our thoughts at this sad time.’

Bukola Saraki, the former President of the Nigerian Senate, also paid tribute, tweeting: ‘Late Dr. Sa’adu provided leadership for our people in the diaspora as he served for many years as Chairman, Kwara State Association of Nigeria (Kwasang UK).

‘Back at home, he was a community leader and traditional office holder as Galadima of Pategi. He will be sorely missed.’

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