Almost 50 community nurses from NHS Forth Valley have been recognised for their years of dedication they have brought to their roles.
They each received the Community Nursing Award for Long Service for working for more than 21 years as a community nurse.
The accolade is administered by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) – a 130-year old charity that supports and promotes excellence in community nursing across the country.

Among the group were four community nurses with more than 30 years of service.

In total, the 47 nurses have 1,190 years of community nursing experience.

This includes district and practice nurses, school nurses, health visitors, prison nurses and community mental health nurses as well as those working in care homes and as advanced nurse practitioners.

A celebration event was held at Stirling Health & Care Village on February 26 where they were presented with the award, which consists of a badge and certificate, by Lesley Thomson, Head of Community Nursing, NHS Forth Valley.

Prof Angela Wallace, Nurse Director NHS Forth Valley, added: “These awards are an excellent way of recognising the hard work, commitment and fantastic service provided by our community nurses throughout Forth Valley. We are delighted and proud that so many of our local staff have been rewarded for their outstanding service to the NHS.”

Clare Cable, QNIS Chief Executive and Nurse Director, said: “Day after day, year after year, this group of dedicated staff delivers care to people in the community in a range of settings. Long-serving nurses have seen huge changes though their careers and they have never ceased to develop their practice and to deliver high quality, compassionate nursing care. QNIS gives these awards to recognise the commitment of community nurses who continue to provide excellent care through the good times and the challenges.”

The QNIS Community Nursing Award for Long Service is available to any registered nurse in Scotland who has worked for more than 21 years in the community.