Mission Mater's Magazine - Flipbook - Page 8
Lest we forget...
On top of her game: It is hard to believe now that CNM Jessy Roy was on mechanical ventilation in her own ICU
during Covid-19.
Covid-19: A Nurse’s Tale
Jessy Roy is a CNM 2 in the ICU. As Covid gripped Ireland
some five years ago she tells John Deane-O’Keeffe, that
little did she know that soon, she too would become a patient
there
Jessy Roy has kind eyes and a warm smile - something
you see a lot of with nursing staff in this hospital. No job
is too small, no favour too burdensome, no patient too
demanding, no task too onerous. For Jessy, this is simply
what she does every day in ICU. She and her team look
after patients who may need the help most, and as
anyone who has ever been a patient or a visitor to ICU
will attest, these are very special people.
Like so many who have trav elled from India, after her
nursing training Jessy came to Ireland from Kerala, as
many Keralites have strong nursing education and
English proficiency and so easily find employment across
Irish hospitals and care homes. Jessy was one such
person and Ireland, the Mater Hospital and it9s ICU,
were extremely lucky to welcome her into their arms
some 21 years ago.
And that might have been the extent of the story of a
wonderful professional career - but for an unexpected
global pandemic which was to change everyone9s life over
five years ago. Nor indeed was Jessy to escape its
clutches. 8At the beginning of April 2020, I was initially
admitted to the Mater with Covid-19 but and was
discharged after two days,9 she advises.
A terrible story about one person trying to save others,
who had now succumbed like so many others. But at
least, she thought, she was only in the main hospital for
two days.
That might have been the end of the story but sadly, it
was to be only the beginning of Jessy9s Covid nightmare.
8I was readmitted to ICU on 28th April 2020 with Covid
related complications, where I was for three weeks9 she
says. The fact that she was admitted to ICU gives a clear
indication of how seriously ill she was at the time and she
pulls no punches. 8I was critically ill and required
mechanical ventilation in those early days of my ICU
stay9 she says.
8Those days were so difficult for my family and friends9
she continues, but as is so typical of her, she thinks not of
herself, but of the kindnesses of others during this time.
8I am so very grateful to my colleagues, the Mater
Hospital staff, management and doctors for all their
support and care,9 she tells me.
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