Maggie Clark, 55, a laparotomy nurse at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, was honoured for services to the NHS in Scotland.
She was recognised for bringing psychological support and welfare to patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.
Mum of two Maggie, from Clark Crescent, said: “The honour came as quite a shock. I am part of a fabulous team here and I couldn’t do my job without them and their support.
“My role is to co-ordinate a holistic, multi disciplinary team when emergency surgery takes place. We try to support them through their stay in hospital and then follow that up in the community once they are home.
“It is quite a unique service. We also collect data about the patient’s journey and their story which we use to improve the quality of service. We use it to help more people who come after them.
“We are learning from every patient.”
Maggie, who was nominated for Scottish Nurse of the Year in 2023, has two children, Katy Gallagher, 18, who has just signed for the Kilmarnock FC Women’s team, and Aiden Gallagher, 20.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) recognises people who have provided “hands-on” service to their community, such as through charitable or voluntary work, or innovative work that has made a significant impact
Her citation reads: “She has brought psychological support and welfare to the role, for patients going through emergency care.
“Making herself invaluable, her success within the role ensured that this post was given a permanent status.
“Her actions resulted in a shorter patient journey and positively impacted on the patient experience in a demonstrably shortened length of stay, alongside immeasurable, softer outcomes.
“She has achieved all of this whilst maintaining a busy home life with her husband and two children.
“She serves as a role model for other team members and her medical colleagues regard her skills and contribution as invaluable.”
Congratulations to Maggie on her well deserved honour from all at the Herald.