I contracted the rare Guillain-Barré syndrome (2/100,000) and was admitted to Navan Hospital for treatment. After initial diagnosis and treatment, I was assigned to a ward and started physio to aid my recovery. However, five days later in to my recovery, I began to sense all was not as it should be and was a little concerned.

At about 4:30 am, I called the nurse on night duty, Liya Mary, and explained my concern. Her immediate, quick, reassuring response that she would get a doctor, and constant comforting and reassurance, instantly eased my distress. She administered oxygen, and the relief was almost immediate. She then arranged to insert a cannula to administer intravenous antibiotics after the doctor arrived, and an X-ray was arranged for the morning. A second and third opinion was sought in quick time.

More importantly, while all this was happening, Liya continued to attend to me, reassuring me that all would be fine. This she did for all of the 3 ½ hours of her tiring night shift. I was so comforted and consoled by her kindness above and beyond the call of duty.

I will be forever grateful to her for her kindness. She obviously takes great pride in her calling as a nurse, and all her patients, I’m sure, appreciate the extra kindness she possesses.

Indeed, I finish with my unstinted praise of the wonderful team of nurses and helpers she is part of.