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• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 01 >> Doctors so rarely come across the illness her sister had that she was taken into a lecture so trainee doctors could learn more about it.

In March 2005 her sister was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves, those outside the brain and spinal chord.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 51-60 >> Interview 07 >> She and her husband were desperate for news of their son's illness, and waited anxiously at the hospital all day to learn that he had meningitis.

Their son was admitted to ICU in 2005 with bacterial meningitis. It was a traumatic time but he is now back home and has made excellent progress.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 41-50 >> Interview 30 >> After having tests, his 83-year-old father was booked for surgery to treat cancer of the kidney and would go into ICU afterwards.

His father died in ICU, aged 83. Being an intensive care doctor, he was able to provide information and support to his mother and brother.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 70 + >> Interview 34 >> Her partner hadn't noticed any symptoms before he was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney, and the doctor was really pleased it was found early.

Her partner had cancer of the kidney and was admitted to ICU after surgery. She visited daily and stayed in hospital overnight for a week.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 15 >> She never learnt why her husband got so ill so quickly, but felt ICU doctors always gave information and updates about his illness honestly and openly

Her husband was admitted to ICU because of an emergency heart problem, which was never diagnosed. She praised the care and professionalism of the ICU staff.

• Intensive care >> Intensive care: experiences of family & friends >> Aged 31-40 >> Interview 15 >> She didn't ask doctors why her husband was so ill because all she needed to know was whether he'd live. She and his doctors still don't know why he be

Her husband was admitted to ICU because of an emergency heart problem, which was never diagnosed. She praised the care and professionalism of the ICU staff.