A NURSE from Johnstone has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of the support she provides to diabetes patients.

Elaine Harkins, 59, is in the running for the Diabetes Healthcare Professional of the Year title at this year’s Quality in Care Awards.

The nomination is a reward for her efforts at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, where she has looked after diabetes patients for more than 16 years.

As a senior diabetes nurse specialist, Elaine plays a key role in helping patients understand and manage Type-1 diabetes, providing them with the skills necessary to estimate carbohydrate levels in meals and to inject the correct dose of insulin.

Based at the Diabetes Centre in the outpatient department at the RAH, she also advises on Type-2 diabetes, gestational care and education, both in acute and community settings.

Over her career, Elaine has helped hundreds of patients to live healthy and happy lives with their condition and currently leads the hospital’s main diabetes clinic each week.

She said: “I was somewhat surprised but also honoured to be nominated for this award.

“I hope it shows that you’re never too old to achieve your dreams because I was a bit of an underachiever in school and qualified as a nurse when I was 36.

“I don’t want this to just be about me, as I’m only one part of a hard-working, integrated team which covers all GP practices and provides both primary and secondary care.”

Elaine said she has been “completely overwhelmed” by the many messages of support she has received from patients and colleagues.

“I’d like to thank the team for their continued support and their hard work over the course of the pandemic,” she added.

The final judging will take place this week, ahead of a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 15.

Shirley Stratton, lead for the integrated diabetes service in Renfrewshire and Clyde, said: “It’s fantastic to see Elaine recognised for her huge contribution over the years.

“The patients have benefited significantly from her experience and quality of care and she has helped set an example to many staff. We wish her the best of luck in the awards.”

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