A senior health professional, who works as a Locality Manager with the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, has said she feels ‘truly blessed’ to have been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Marlyn Gardner said never in a million years did she think she would be given an award such as this, and paid tribute to the support from colleagues, local volunteers and communities. Many staff, she commented, had gone the extra mile and she accepted the award as recognition of the dedication and skills that they all demonstrate every day.

Marlyn began her General Nurse Training in 1981 and worked as a Staff Nurse at the former Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary until she took a short break after the birth of her second child. She returned as a Community Staff Nurse in 1990 and worked for NHS Forth Valley in a variety of roles. She was a Health Visitor based at Wallace Medical Centre and a Community Development Nurse, before becoming Clinical Manager for District Nurses then Service Manager for Falkirk Community Nursing Services and Loch View.

In August 2019 she joined Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership as a Locality Manager with responsibility for the West area.

Marlyn said: “I am passionate about my work and always have the person at the centre of the care we provide. This job has been challenging, a huge learning curve but a wonderful experience also. I am delighted to say I truly love this new role and new opportunities. The networks and friends I have gained throughout my career makes my passion and commitment remain steadfast. I am proud to be a nurse and proud of all the colleagues and partners I work alongside.”

Patricia Cassidy, Chief Officer for the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Marlyn exemplifies the response from staff working across local health and social care services who have gone above and beyond to respond to the many challenges of Covid-19.”