AN IRVINE health worker has secured a top national Nurse of the Year award for her efforts while serving in Ayrshire’s hospitals.

Girdle Toll resident and NHS Ayrshire and Arran star Tricia Sutherland won in the renal nurse of the year category for her work in end of life care across the area at Crosshouse and Ayr Hospitals.

She received the gong during the annual awards’ 2020 virtual ceremony this month – run by the British Journal of Nursing publication.

Proud son Greg said: “My mum was nominated by her colleagues for nurse of the year, which is hosted by the British Journal of Nursing. The ceremony was held earlier this week and she won.

“We are really proud of her – it’s a shame as usually you would go down to London I think to receive the award but obviously this year it was held over Zoom.

“Its a big achievement, especially during a pandemic year. She has worked in the renal dialysis unit in Crosshouse and Ayr Hospital for just over 10 years.

“She got nominated as she has undertaken a secondment position as a specialist nurse within the renal service for NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

“In this role she helps patients to plan ahead for palliative care and guides them and the family through difficult conversations of death.

“She also helps to make arrangements to better improve their quality of life as dialysis takes a huge toll on the body.

“She has helped many, many patients while in this role. She has also had to create a business plan to showcase the effectiveness of this role in hope of securing it as permanent position within NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

“She is an amazing nurse, incredibly caring and often doesn’t stop working even at home.”

Well done Tricia from all at the Irvine Times.