FOR almost a decade she has tirelessly striven to help provide the best possible care to patients throughout Renfrewshire and Greater Glasgow.

And at the recent national NHS 24 awards ceremony, dedicated Elderslie nurse Mairi Phipps' hard work was recognised with a special award from her employers.

As a nurse practitioner and coach, Mairi has been right at the heart of NHS 24 - a telehealth service which allows patients to call upon a pool of specialist clinical expertise, including nurses using their phone - since it was formed nine years ago.

And it's that commitment to the cause - coupled with a caring attitude - that prompted her colleagues to put her forward for the award.

Modest Mairi, who also drew praise for the empathy and understanding she shows parents, was humbled by the honour - particularly with the nomination coming from fellow professionals.

She told the Gazette: "I was touched and grateful to my colleagues for nominating me for this award. I strive to do my job well at all times.

"It can be a very challenging job, however I have always found NHS 24 to be a very positive environment to work in with great support from colleagues and managers."