Nurses brought in to cope with rise in Parkinson's

Published on Tuesday 7 October 2008 10:01

SPECIALIST nurses have been appointed to deal with the rising numbers of people with Parkinson's Disease in the Lothians.

To cater for the increasing population of elderly people, health chiefs have hired two specialists to work with the one nurse currently specialising in Parkinson's.

The new posts will be funded by the Parkinson's Disease Society for the first two years, after which the NHS will pay them.

It is hoped the nurses will reduce the numbers of people making GP appointments and hospital visits. Around 160 new cases of Parkinson's occur every year in the area, where there are 1700 people living with it.

NHS Lothian's director of strategic planning Jackie Sansbury said: "Parkinson's can be a devastating illness but much can be achieved through expert care and support. Our new team of nurses will be able to do much to help ensure that patients have the best possible quality of life.

"Illnesses commonly associated with old age like Parkinson's are a growing challenge to the NHS because people are living longer. This means it is important we work with patients, families and groups like the Parkinson's Disease Society to continue developing our services."

The charity's influence and service development officer Diane Wilsdon added: "The specialist nurse approach is highly successful and brings benefits for patients."