Working Life: Hepatitis C is now highly curable and treatment is straightforward

Gail Hawthorn is a clinical nurse specialist in hepatitis C liaison

Gail Hawthorn, clinical nurse specialist in hepatitis C liaison at Castle Street in Dublin's City Centre. Picture: Gareth Chaney

“My heart always lay with either teaching or nursing, but nursing won out, and in 1991, I began training in Belfast City Hospital. Moving in with friends from home and living independently for the first time was a huge thrill.

“After qualifying in 1994, I worked in the Channel Islands before moving to Dublin. I started working in the National Drug Treatment Centre. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the work — meeting interesting people, hearing their stories and helping where I could. I was lucky to land among a great group of colleagues, and I’ve stayed in addiction services since.