A nursing home owner who has made a massive contribution to the care of the elderly and vulnerable in South West Wales has been nominated for a major award.

Maureen Ruskin, who dedicated her 40-year career to improving standards of care, has had her worked recognised by being shortlisted for a Wales Care Award.

She was nominated in the category for outstanding service, and later this month will attend a glittering presentation ceremony at City Hall, Cardiff. The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales.

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

Soon after qualifying as a nurse she went to work in Zambia in 1974, moving up the ladder to become matron of a 300-bed general hospital before returning to the UK in 1980.

While working at the East Glamorgan Hospital, she harboured a dream of owning her own nursing home.

She took the plunge in 1983 when she opened the 21-bed Ridgeway Residential Home for the Elderly in Llawhaden.

Over the years, she saw the need for a local EMI unit and so in 1987 Maureen opened the Woodfield Home in Narberth.

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.

Forever considering new ways of extending care to those in need, she 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.

Maureen said she was pleased that Ridgeway was continuing to provide the same level of care under its new owners.

"I'm also proud that many of the initiatives I kick-started within the care industry have also been found to be of continuing benefit to those whom our industry serves," she added.

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 25 years and our aim is to maintain her standards."

Another testimony to her qualities came from the husband of a former member of staff who was in hospital in Cardiff after a triple by-pass operation and whose wife was staying at his bedside.

"Maureen Ruskin drove to Cardiff to visit me in hospital and came with fresh clothes for my wife from her own wardrobe," he wrote.