Meet Our DAISY Honouree April 2026

30 June 2026

The contributions and sacrifices that nurses make for their patients often go unnoticed. As the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce the DAISY Award, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City is honoured to bring this internationally renowned recognition programme to our nurses, celebrating those who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate care. 

We are proud to celebrate our DAISY Honouree April 2026, Mahendran A/L Vijayakumar, Senior Staff Nurse from the haemodialysis department for making a meaningful impact on the lives of his patients.

The Moment of Recognition

Mahendran has been serving in the haemodialysis department for 13 years. We spoke to him about his nursing journey and what receiving this award means to him.

“As I watched the DAISY Award Committee enter our dialysis department, the energy in the room completely shifted. I was in shock and overwhelmed by happiness when they called out my name!” Mahendran recalls.

In the patient’s heartfelt nomination, she described him as a nurse who is highly skilled and compassionate. “To know that a patient took the time to nominate me... it’s a moment I will never forget.”

An Unexpected Path Into Nursing

Mahendran never planned to become a nurse. However, his interest in the medical field, along with encouragement from his mother’s boss, led him to pursue nursing as a career. But, he remembers the doubt from those around him, questioning if a male nurse could actually succeed.

Today, he has proven that passion and dedication matter more than expectations. "What I love most about working at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City is the acute hospital setting, which allows me to provide complete, uninterrupted care for my patients. I wanted to master the skills, resources, and the confidence to stand by my patients and overcome crises together. Beyond clinical skills, the environment has also allowed me to build deep, meaningful bonds with an incredible team of colleagues."

Moments That Defined His Nursing Career

Over the years, several experiences have defined Mahendran’s journey as a nurse. “One patient truly admired the way I cared for her. She told me that my smile and the way I spoke to her made her feel completely safe, as though she was talking to her own family.”

Another memorable moment happened during a dialysis session. “A frail patient had just finished her hemodialysis treatment when she suddenly experienced severe muscle cramps and hypotension while standing on the weighing machine. I immediately carried her back to her chair and initiated emergency treatment to stabilise her. A nearby patient who witnessed the incident looked at me and said, 'You did a great job.' From that day on, he would always smile at me and say, 'You are awesome!'”

The Fear Behind Every Needle Stick

One of the most challenging procedures a renal nurse would face is cannulation, the process of inserting a needle into a blood vessel for dialysis treatment.

Mahendaran explains that one aspect of hemodialysis that goes unnoticed is the anxiety patients have regarding their vascular access, the access point used for dialysis. A patient’s fistula, a surgically created connection between an artery and vein in the arm, is their lifeline. The fear of a painful or unsuccessful needle insertion can cause anxiety before every session.

What many people don't know is that early in his career, Mahendran was secretly terrified of performing cannulations. “Over the past 13 years as a renal nurse, I faced that fear and made it my personal mission to master and ensure that every cannulation is successful on the first attempt to provide patients a smooth, pain-free experience.” 

The patient who nominated him described him as having the "magic touch", because he is the only one who can successfully perform the cannulation on her arm on the very first try, every single time.

The Motivation Behind His Care

Growing up, Mahendran’s life was not easy. He credits his resilient mother, a rubber tapper and the sole breadwinner of the family, for shaping his values. “She taught me the true meaning of hard work and sacrifice. Whenever I step into the dialysis unit, I carry that mindset with me."

His years in dialysis care also deepened his sense of empathy. “When I was working in dialysis centres earlier in my career, we had to transfer patients to nearby hospitals during emergencies. It always broke my heart not knowing how they would be taken care of afterwards.”

“My motivation stems directly from my roots and my patients. Dialysis is a massive lifestyle burden that no one wishes upon themselves. I choose to step into my patients' shoes and treat them exactly like my own family. Seeing an anxious patient leave feeling physically stronger and emotionally comforted is what keeps me going," he relates.

A Message to the Nurses

Mahendran’s advice is simple. He believes that even the smallest gestures, such as a genuine “How did you sleep?” or sitting with the patient for two minutes can change their entire day. “You don't have to change the whole world, you just have to make a difference for that one patient in your care."

What the DAISY Award Means

"Receiving the DAISY Award is a dream come true. It validates all the hard work, long shifts, and 13 years I have spent mastering renal care. More than anything, it tells me that my patients feel safe and cared for in my hands, and that is the greatest reward any nurse could ever ask for."

Mahendran is the first of many honourees to come at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City. Know an outstanding nurse? Click the button below to nominate them today.