An Ayrshire nurse has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to community nursing.

Raphael Kombe Mwarandu, who works in Girvan, received the academic award from the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland.

The 35-year-old was given the prize at The Open University’s office in Edinburgh recently on Friday, December 13.

Kombe started working at the Dr McMaster and Partners GP practice in Girvan as a receptionist in 2006.

He gained his nursing qualification through the Open University in 2018.

Local to the coastal South Ayrshire town, the dad of three fitted his study around work and looking after his family.

He was nominated for the award by Liz Sturley, professional lead for nursing at the Open Uni.

She said: “Kombe is a terrific example of what it means to be both a nurse and an OU graduate.

“He is so committed to his patients, to supporting his colleagues and to learning from them, and to helping spread the message about how important the role of community nurse is in our society.

“He has worked his way up thanks to his incredible enthusiasm and his dedication to the people that depend on him. He is such a fitting recipient of this prize.”

Speaking on his pride of being recognised for such a prestigious prize.

He commented: “This is an extremely proud moment for me.

“As I have a young family, studying through The Open University allowed me to pursue a career that I could not otherwise have undertaken.

“The OU offered the flexibility of continuing in employment while learning, allowing career progression from an administrative role to Registered Nurse.

“My employers have been a tremendous support.

“I love the interaction with patients and their families, allowing me to build a rapport so I can provide them with the best possible care.”