An Ayrshire nurse has spoken of her pride at winning an industry award, hosted by the British Journal of Nursing.
Tricia Sutherland said she's "extremely delighted" with her industry 'Oscar.'
Tricia, who has worked in the renal dialysis units in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock and at Ayr Hospital for more than five years, was the overwhelming winner in the renal nursing category, after being nominated by her colleagues.
And in the wake of her success, Tricia – who was the only Scottish winner this year – said: “I am extremely delighted to have been nominated and to have won the Nurse of the Year award from the British Journal of Nursing.
"I feel valued and recognised for my contribution to the development of renal supportive care and it has inspired me to continue with the development of the service.”
Jennifer Wilson, interim deputy nurse director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: "We are extremely proud of Tricia.
"Being nominated and winning this award is a true recognition of the support and care she offers patients and their families and her work is appreciated by so many across the organisation."
Tricia's nomination for the award came about after she embarked on a secondment position as a specialist nurse within the renal service for NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
In this role she helps patients to plan ahead for palliative care and guides them and their families through difficult conversations of death.
Proud son Greg Sutherland said his mum's award win is a "big achievement" – especially during a pandemic year.
He continued: "She also helps to make arrangements to better improve patients' 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 a permanent position within NHS Ayrshire & Arran."
Tricia, from Irvine, said: "I began a two-year secondment as renal supportive care nurse providing supportive, palliative and end-of-life care for people with advance/end stage kidney disease.
"I feel the most important aspect of my role is patient contact.
"Being able to listen, support and advise has been greatly appreciated by patients and their families.”
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