A PORT Glasgow nurse who has gone above and beyond to provide care for war veterans has received a prestigious award.

Pauline McIntyre, who is the deputy director of care at the veterans' charity Erskine, has been named as a Queen's Nurse.

She was nominated by her employer for her inspirational leadership and work at Erskine, as well as being praised for always putting residents' wishes at the heart of key decisions.

Pauline was given the title at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

The dedicated nurse has been at Erskine since 2003 after 16 years working within the NHS.

In her role she supports the director of care over the four homes and leads the quality improvement team, as well as responding to any residents' needs and concerns.

Pauline said: “The development opportunities on my Queen’s Nurse journey have helped me to speak out with confidence and passion about nursing.

“Working in a care home is a privilege. The skills and experience I have gained over the years have helped me develop into the nurse I am today.

“I would encourage anyone, whether newly qualified or experienced, to choose care home nursing as their career path.

"Being in a care homes is one of the greatest experiences you will have as a nurse. It is an environment that teaches you about people and about relationships.

“You learn about the lives of those you are there to look after, you’ll hear about their achievements, about hopes and dreams and fulfilled and unfulfilled ambitions.

"Fundamentally a care home placement puts caring at the very centre of your learning.”

Derek Barron, Erskine's director of care, says Pauline is more than worthy of her prestigious new title.

He said:“We are extremely proud of her for being awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse, an award made more special in that Her Majesty the Queen personally signs each certificate.

“Our residents are at the heart of Pauline’s approach, every day.

"She is a leader who inspires her colleagues to be the very best they can be.

"She developed a memory box which is a gift given from Erskine to families, related to the time when we were privileged to care for their relative.

“This award is a further example of the dynamic role of a care home nurse, a role Pauline is both a proud and worthy advocate of.”

Pauline was presented with the title by author Christie Watson at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria hotel.