An Irvine NHS worker has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year 2018 Honours List.

Elaine McIntee, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Physiotherapy Technical Instructor, has been awarded a BEM for services to holistic rehabilitation in Ayrshire.

Elaine works as a Physiotherapy Technical Instructor grade three in the Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre at Irvine’s Ayrshire Central Hospital, having first started there in 1990 when the centre first opened.

She has worked in various different areas of physiotherapy and for the past 17 years in the neurological outpatients department.

Elaine said: “I was truly shocked to learn that I was being awarded the British Empire Medal.

“I am very humbled to be put forward and for my services to physiotherapy and neurological rehabilitation to be honoured.

“I would like to thank all of the patients and families I have worked with over the years as well as my wonderful colleagues who have helped me achieve everything that has led to this honour.

“I am retiring from my position in a few weeks time to continue my work in complimentary therapies. This is an amazing way to end my career and I would like to thank NHS Ayrshire & Arran for what has been an incredibly rewarding career in physiotherapy.”

Chief Executive John Burns said: “I would like to say how proud we are of Elaine for her achievements throughout her career and for her BEM, which is truly deserved. I wish her a long and happy retirement and thank her for her services to NHS Ayrshire & Arran.”