Tammy cared for my granny when she became palliative on EW at the end of last year. My Gran was moved to a side room, and the family were given a bed so we could stay overnight with her in her final days. The night before she passed, Tammy was on duty. Tammy was more than attentive when checking on my gran.

Tammy could not have been more on top of PRN medication as gran was symptomatic towards the end, she gave medications and always came back to check if it had been effective within 15 minutes and often needed to top her up again. This was something that had been lacking in other staff nurses in previous days. Tammy was so compassionate, thoughtful and her level of consideration for my gran and us was beyond anything I had seen before. It meant we never had to ask for anything.

I cannot tell you how hard and exhausting it can be to have to ask for help, medication or advice when caring for a loved one, especially when on palliative care. Even the thought process and plucking up the courage to do so can be crippling. My mum, who is also a Nurse, was amazed by Tammy, and I was so proud of NGH for having such nurses. We truly believe she was a gift to us that night, and the following day would have been so much harder if it weren’t for her.