A HOSPITAL volunteer who serves Barrhead patients has been recognised as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's longest-serving. 

Morag Brierton, 69, has dedicated her time to assisting thousands of heart patients since joining the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation service.

After retiring from the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service in her mid-50s, Morag took on the role of a volunteer driver.

She has been helping patients by transporting them to and from the RAH for their cardiac rehab exercise classes in the Health at Heart gym.

(Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) This week, a celebration was held in her honour by the cardiac rehabilitation team.

Morag, who lives in Glasgow's Southside, said she started volunteering after feeling "bored" following early retirement from her 25-year stint at the fire service.

She said: "I heard about the volunteering post through a friend and decided to go for it.

“I pick people up from all over - Barrhead, Beith, Bridge of Weir and Erskine - who might not otherwise be able to get to the rehab service.

"It’s amazing to see how their confidence grows throughout the weeks of me collecting and dropping them off as they go through their rehab.

"It’s wonderful to be part of that and to see how much they come on in just a few weeks."

Myra McKenna, the team leader, said: "Morag is very much an embedded member of our team and we are so grateful for the support she has given us over the years.

“Many of our patients are older and may become isolated due to their health condition.

“They enjoy spending time with Morag in the car having a chat - she builds up strong relationships with them over the weeks she spends picking them up and taking them home.

“They come from all over Renfrewshire and it may not always be possible for them to get here by bus or car, so Morag’s support really helps them overcome those barriers and gives them the opportunity to benefit from the services we can provide.”

Her dedication over the years has not gone unnoticed by the hospital staff.

Harry Balch, volunteer manager at the NHSGGC, said: "We were delighted to hold a celebration to mark Morag’s amazing 15 years of service.

"The kindness and support she has shown to patients and staff throughout the years is remarkable and we are so grateful to her."