A nursing home owner who has made a massive contribution to the care of the elderly and vulnerable in south west Wales during her 40-year career has been nominated for a major award.

Maureen Ruskin has had her work recognised by being shortlisted for a Wales Care Award.

She was nominated in the category for outstanding service, and tonight (Friday) will attend a presentation ceremony at City Hall, Cardiff. The awards are organized by Care Forum Wales.

Maureen will return for the evening from her holiday home in Cyprus following her recent retirement.

She opened the 21-bed Ridgeway Residential Home for the Elderly in Llawhaden in 1983 after working as a nurse, and subsequently matron, at a 300-bed general hospital in Zambia and then at the East Glamorgan Hospital.

In 1987, she opened the Woodfield Home in Narberth after seining the need for a local EMI unit.

At the same time she set up staff concert groups to entertain the residents, became involved with the Prince’s Trust and also encouraged staff to develop their skills.

“During my 25 years at Ridgeway 35 trained nurses have successfully emerged from among our dedicated care assistants after undertaking training programmes,” she said.

Maureen served on Pembrokeshire Health Authority’s Nursing and Midwifery Committee, was also involved with the West Wales Training Consortium and became founder member of Pembrokeshire Counselling Services.

She also formed a club, Pembrokeshire Friends, to help those who felt isolated and lonely and it has proved invaluable to many, giving them a new lease of life.

“It has even led to several new and happy marriages,” she said.

She was nominated for the award by the home’s administrator Yvonne Davies, who said she had helped fulfil the lives of residents, staff and the local community.

Tribute was also paid by the new proprietor, Dr Ashock Bansal, who said: "I am so pleased that Maureen has been put forward for this award. Ridgeway Nursing Home has set the standards for care of the elderly under her management for the last 25yrs and our aim is to maintain her standards".