Sixty-nine North Lanarkshire community nurses were the focus of celebrations to mark their long service.
Dedicated to serving their local communities, with some having served more than 40 years, the vastly experienced nurses received the prestigious Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland award for long service.
Presented in the Sanctuary at University Hospital Wishaw, the esteemed award, established in 1889 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, is granted to nurses with more than 21 years of service in the community,
The proud recipients cover a number of roles including district nursing, mental health, health visiting, treatment rooms and sexual health.
Jacqueline Meek, registered general nurse, University Health & Social Cate North Lanarkshire, said: “I’m really honoured to have been put forward for this long service award – it means a lot to me. Over my 40 years career the highlights have been getting this award and also being able to pass my knowledge and skills onto other newly qualified staff nurses and young students coming through.
“I would encourage anyone to go into nursing as it’s very rewarding and fulfilling.”
Trudi Marshall, nurse director, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our wonderful nurses we’re celebrating, they bring so much expertise and experience to their roles.
“The way we care for people continues to change with the emphasis increasingly being on treating people in the heart of their communities and keeping them in familiar surroundings. All of our nurses always go the extra mile to deliver person-centred care and support people in their own homes and in clinics.
“The commitment and dedication shown by the 69 nurses we are celebrating sums up the important roles nurses play in caring for the people of North Lanarkshire.
“Not only do their patients gain from their skills, but they are also true role models for other nurses who are building up their skills and carrying out great work every day.”
Photo – Jacqueline Meek, second from the right on the front row, with colleagues at the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland award for long service celebration event.
