A GREENOCK nursing home resident has said thank you to an award-winning care manager who saved her life.

Rose Hutchison is one of the many people to benefit from the first class care provided by manager Elsie MacLennan, who runs Larkfield View Care Home.

The highly-rated nurse has been voted the Great British Care North West region manager of the year.

Residents, staff and family lined up to congratulate her and pay tribute to her extraordinary efforts.

But for 79-year-old Rose she gave her a reason to live after she lost her husband and daughter in the space of one year.

Rose, formerly of Lewis Road, said: “When I came in I was only six stone and I was on my own. I told them that I wouldn’t be here long and now look at me. I am still here and happy — and it is all because of Elsie. 

“I had lost my husband William to lung cancer seven years ago and then my daughter Karen to breast cancer six years ago. She was just 44-years-old.”

Brave Rose, who has also fought her own battle with cancer, was admitted to Larkfield View as an alternative to hospital.

But thanks to the love and care of Elsie and her team, Rose is now enjoying her life at Larkfield.

She added: “Honestly it makes me cry, there are just no word for how fantastic she is.

“Elsie is everything you would look for in a person. She is perfect in every way and gives you everything you ask for or need.

“I love it in Larkfield, all the staff are amazing. I just can’t praise them enough.”

Elsie was stunned to be presented with the Great British Care Awards North West Care Manager of the Year.

The mum-of-three from Port Glasgow has been at Larkfield View for five years and was nominated by the home’s owners. 

She is responsible for 135 members of staff caring for 90 residents, often with multiple health needs.

Elsie has been in the caring profession since she was 16, starting off as an auxilliary nurse before qualifying as an enrolled nurse and then going through the different stages of her profession.

The 56-year-old said: “I came through the ranks so I know every aspect of care. That definitely helps. For me the most important thing is personal care.

“My favourite part is taking the residents on holiday. We do a trip to Largs and take everything, medication, oxygen, the lot.

“But for those couple of days you get to see the person that they were, their spark returns.

“We also have close links with the community, schools and colleges. We invite students interested in care.”

Speaking on behalf of the staff, Frances Rice, admin support worker, said: “Elsie gives 110 per cent to everyone. No-one deserves this award more. She is there for absolutely everyone, residents and staff, and all the family members love her as well.”

Elsie was announced the winner at the regional awards in Manchester and will now go forward to the national finals in Birmingham next year, where her team will also be up for a collective honour.