NZ radio star takes extended leave after shock diagnosis

New Zealand broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby is taking an extended period of sick leave to focus on her health following a shock diagnosis.

A New Zealand TV host is taking an extended period of sick leave to focus on her health after a shock diagnosis.

Broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby, a host on current affairs show AM, was noticeably absent recently, with her co-hosts today revealing why.

Melissa Chan-Green and Ryan Bridge revealed Oliver-Kerby was experiencing paralysis on one side of her face after being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, the New Zealand Herald reports.

“You may have noticed that our lovely Bernadine has been absent from the show for a while now. Bern is going to be taking an extended period of sick leave after experiencing facial paralysis on one side of her face due to Bell’s palsy,” Green said.

“Bernadine can’t wait to reunite with the team, with us and with you at home, the AM viewers and with the rest of the recovery now her main priority,” Bridge added.

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New Zealand broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby is taking an extended period of sick leave from The AM Show due to Bell’s palsy. Picture: Instagram/bernadineok_nz

Bridge also noted that Oliver-Kerby was extremely grateful to the team at Auckland Hospital who “took such great care of her”.

Chan also later extended her thanks from the team “for taking such good care of our friend”.

The duo went on to reveal how strange it was to read the statement off-script when it was about someone so close to them.

Bridge then went off script sharing the team’s best wishes for the stalwart presenter.

“Bern we love you, you know we do. You’re an incredible presence on this program. We love your wit, we love your humour, we miss you. We look forward to seeing you back as soon as you can.”

The presenter has been off air recently with her co-hosts today revealing why. Picture: Instagram/bernadineok_nz

What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, is the sudden onset of paralysis of one of the facial nerves. The condition is usually temporary.

Southern Cross NZ describes the symptoms as being “muscle weakness on one side of the face, causing the face to droop”.

“Bell’s palsy can affect anyone. Its annual incidence is two to three people per 10,000 of the population, and this is thought to be similar across all ethnic groups and between men and women. Pregnant women and people with diabetes have an increased risk.”

If you think you might be suffering from Bell’s palsy you should urgently seek help from your healthcare provider.

This article originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as NZ radio star takes extended leave after shock diagnosis