A long-standing NHS Lanarkshire nurse has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Teresa Rennie, Macmillan Lead Haematology-Oncology Nurse, has been recognised for her contribution to cancer and chemotherapy services.

Teresa, who lives in Uddingston with her husband Alan, said: “I am totally overwhelmed, when I saw the envelope I thought I was being called up for jury duty. I had to re-read the letter a couple of times before the news actually set in.

“It is a wonderful feeling and it is even more special to be recognised for my contribution to patient care, making a positive difference to patients’ lives has been at the heart of everything I have done for my whole career.”

Having worked in the health board for 39 years Teresa, who is originally from Blantyre,  is due to take early retirement in the autumn but she is determined to carry on in cancer services in some capacity.

Margaret Kelly, NHS Lanarkshire Cancer Services Manager, said: “This award is truly deserved. Teresa is very well respected by her team and all her clinical colleagues. She has written protocols for the West of Scotland and is heavily involved in the Haematology Nursing forum across Scotland.

“There are many stories of work that Teresa does behind the scenes to improve the lives of patients suffering from haematological cancers and patient requiring chemotherapy.  She always goes beyond her call of duty to ensure that patients, families and carers are exceptionally well looked after.”

This honour caps off an award-winning final year in the health service as Teresa also won the ‘Chair Award’ at the inaugural NHS Lanarkshire staff awards ceremony.

Neena Mahal, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Teresa is a unique individual who goes that extra mile for cancer patients and their families. She has an unfailing commitment to patients and is truly one of a kind who has touched so many people in a positive way at such a difficult time in their lives.”