THERE were double the smiles at a prestigious ceremony as two Renfrewshire carers scooped awards for their outstanding performances.

Jennifer Boyd and Jenni Mack bagged prizes at the Scottish Care Awards which celebrates the best of the independent care home sector. 

Jennifer, who is an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) at The Erskine Home, won the Nurse of the Year category. The accolade is given to an ‘outstanding individual’ who represents ‘effective nursing practice’ within the care home environment.

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Jennifer said: “I am overwhelmed. I would like to thank Scottish Care for my award and for recognising the positive changes we are encouraging within Erskine.

“Our residents deserve the best care within their home environment and that is what we are striving to achieve on a daily basis. I feel incredibly proud and privileged to work within the care sector with such an amazing team at Erskine.”

Jenni, who is activity coordinator at Craigielea Care Home, Renfrew, won the Emerging Talent category which recognises an individual who is either new to the sector or has grown in their role to become a ‘shining example’ of the care home workforce. 

She said: “I was delighted and honoured to be recognised by Scottish Care in the Care Home Awards - but to win it was just incredible. This award has given me the confidence to keep pushing to make things better for people who live in care, people who work in care, and for those with a loved one in care.”

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Both women were presented with their awards at the event in the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, which was hosted by Michelle McManus.

Scottish Care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill said: “The winners of these awards are the crème de la crème of an extremely dedicated and passionate workforce.”