EVEN when Ms Aysha Beevi is on her lunch break, the nurse in her never stops working.
In 2007, the then-45-year-old Bedok Polyclinic nurse was out having lunch when she spotted a woman in her 60s sitting on a bench outside a supermarket.
The nurse recognised the woman as a patient she had attended to earlier that day. The patient's diabetic ulcer required further checks by a specialist. After dressing her wound, Ms Beevi had urged the woman to visit the hospital immediately.
Ms Beevi, a nurse for 17 years, rushed to the woman's side to ask why she had not gone to the hospital.
'The lady said she had no money and no family to take her to the hospital. She didn't know what to do.'
Ms Beevi helped the elderly woman to the taxi stand, telling her that she needed to get her wound cleaned at once at the hospital because, if neglected, it could become septic and her foot might have to be amputated.
She reassured the patient that the hospital would be able to help her get financial aid for her fees, and handed her $20 to pay for the cab ride there.
The woman came back weeks later to thank Ms Beevi personally. 'I was just doing my rounds when she spotted me and came up and said 'thank you, thank you' repeatedly. It was quite touching.'
The satisfaction she gets from helping such patients has encouraged her to do her best in her profession and show respect for her patients.
'I grew up in a family where there was a desire to contribute and help where we could. In nursing, I have found my passion, and I do my best to show love to these patients, as if they were my family,' said Ms Beevi, who also trains junior nurses.
Her dedication to her patients took her to the finals of Spring Singapore's Excellent Service Award in 2007.
Ms Gwek Pek Hoon, SingHealth's director for nursing administration, said: 'Aysha's friendly disposition puts patients at ease. She always seeks to upgrade her skills and knowledge, which makes her a role model for her peers.'
