Nurse Melujean Ballesteros, who had worked at St Mary’s Hospital since 2002

• I WAS heartbroken, of course, to read the story concerning the death of nurse Melujean Ballesteros, for unrelated personal reasons as well as the usual ones on reading such terrible stories, (‘We will never forget her’ – tributes to nurse killed by coronavirus, April 17).

Many years ago, an elderly neighbour of mine with cancer was taken to Charing Cross Hospital.
She was not expected to last the night.

A Buddhist, she wore a small Buddha sacrament at all times that had been taken off her when she was admitted. She would not settle without it and we searched high and low around her bed and cabinet for her.

The staff we explained this to and asked if they could check her belongings. All told us they were too busy to go looking for personal items which, to be fair, they undoubtedly were.

But when we explained again to another nurse she dashed off to check for us and came right back with it. She was from the Philippines, a Roman Catholic and she knew what faith, any faith meant to its follower.

And once she had gently placed the sacrament back around Amelia’s neck, our neighbour wrapped her hands around it and clasped it to her heart, preparing herself now to go as if this was her time.

In fact, Amelia lived a few more years before old age and cancer finally claimed her. Her life saved that night, as on many others, by a hard-working dedicated crew of NHS staff.

But I also like to think it was the spiritual health care also that played a part. Of course, I never did catch the name of the nurse, but I have never forgotten her and I never will.

MARK BRISENDEN
Address supplied