A Renfrewshire nurse has been recognised for her devoted efforts to those in her care at a national awards ceremony.
Arlene Fox, from Nightingale care home in Paisley, was announced as the winner of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland (RCN) care home nursing award at a glittering awards ceremony last month.
She has been described by her colleagues as a care home manager with a passion for improving the care and services offered to the residents.
Working with NHS dieticians and being open to learning from nutritional audits, Arlene has completely overhauled food provision within the home, said the RCN.
Her holistic approach has also seen her develop the environments where food is served, creating innovative calming spaces for residents.
Arlene also involves residents in decisions about menus and encourages them to join staff on trips to the shops to buy the food that will be served.
Other initiatives introduced by Arlene support physical fitness with adapted spin classes, yoga, and themed activities for events such as Wimbledon.
Those that nominated her for the award said that Arlene has turned the care home around despite the challenges of the pandemic and the wider challenges of recruitment and retention of staff.
Arlene herself was keen to note that her staff work with her and not for her; and to reinforce this sense of equality and togetherness, she is always seen in the same uniform as her team and often assists care.
Her staff are supported to contribute to the ongoing improvements within the home.
Arlene is keen to raise the profile of holistic care home nursing and the positive outcomes it can achieve.
Commenting on Arleen’s award win, RCN Scotland director Colin Poolman said: “With increasing clinical need, the impact and importance of nursing in social care, to ensure residents receive high quality, safe care, should never be underestimated. I am proud to congratulate Arlene on her award.
“She truly embodies not only the skills and competencies required, but the passion for caring for her residents.”
Two more Renfrewshire nurses came in for special mention at the awards ceremony with Laura MacDonald and Kim Barron, advanced nurse practitioners from Erskine, finishing as runners-up in the care home nursing award.
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