A NURSE from Kilbarchan who created a haven for men facing social isolation has picked up a top award for her efforts.

Thousands of people voted for Sarah Everett as winner of the Patient Choice trophy in the RCNi Nurse Awards after she set up Men’s Shed Govan, in Glasgow.

Men’s Sheds are places where older men who may be suffering from loneliness can engage in activities such as woodwork.

Sarah, who is a practice sister at Govan Health Centre, was keen to set up a Men’s Shed group in the area after realising many of her patients were suffering from social isolation.

And after receiving funding from the Queen’s Nursing Institute and liaising with council officials, she was able to set up the initiative at a derelict nursery near the health centre.

Sarah, who saw off competition from four other nominees, said: “I’m so delighted to win such a prestigious award. I didn’t expect it at all.

“It was such an honour to be nominated. It shocked me how many people voted for me.

“They [the members] got the place looking really good. They all gave so much time painting, doing the garden, cutting the grass.

It gives them a sense of worth as well as companionship.”

The award allows the public to thank a nurse, midwife, health visitor, healthcare assistant or assistant practitioner who has provided exceptional care.

Men’s Shed member John Alexander, who nominated Sarah for the award, said: “When I retired two years ago, I didn’t want to feel there was nowhere to go other than the pub or bookies.

“It would have been easy to ignore what many men in our community desperately needed, or to assume someone else would rise to the challenge, but Sarah did not.

“We have never known a practice nurse who has been so willing and able to go the extra mile for men like us.”