On the Couch

Una Anderson Ryan, Chairwoman of Parkinson's Association of Ireland.

Una Anderson Ryan,Chairwoman of Parkinson's Association of Ireland.

Personal/family:Married to Des with five children and seven grandchildren.

What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?

Mary Harney. She has the will and determination to get Irish health services on a par with Europe. I admire her courage to take on this job.

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What other career might you have chosen?

Law perhaps.

If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?

I would ensure there are multidisciplinary teams available in every district. I would attach a Parkinson's nurse specialist to each hospital with a contract ensuring they can work both in the hospital and community to deal with patients' problems in their own homes after they are discharged. Finally I would ensure that all patients get equal service regardless of which health service area they live in.

What is your greatest fear?

I don't really have a greatest fear. I look on the bright side of life and don't dwell on things that could provoke fear.

Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?

Yes. I have had breast cancer for 15 years and this has travelled to the bone twice. I think I am a good patient.

When or where are you happiest?

Lying in the sun on a beach listening to the sea.

How do you cope with stress?

I distract myself by entertaining my grandchildren. For example today we had a bake-in and made coffee cake. I like to follow it up with a Bacardi and orange.

What is the trait you most admire in yourself?

I'm a good listener and have a calm way of dealing with Parkinson's patients.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

My intolerance when people don't do things properly.

Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?

Yes, I am a great believer in natural methods but they must be combined with conventional medicine. I get reiki and Thai massage, use tiger balm regularly and drink herbal tea.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I don't really laugh that much. It's not that I'm not amused, I just smile.

What is your motto?

If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living will not be in vain.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

The news, Questions and Answers, Coronation Street and a good film with a true story.

What books would you bring to a desert islands?

Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington Garimara would be helpful on a desert island. I also would bring some books by Jodi Picoult. Finally I'd bring the book I keep by my bed - a Victorian treasury of verse and poems.