Dec 26 2008 by Lisa Boyle
PARKINSON’S disease sufferers are crusading for a specialist nurse to be based in Ayr.
And they have taken their campaign all the way to the Scottish Parliament.
It comes after the massive success of a pilot project over the last year.
Specialist nurse Paula Hewat has made an invaluable difference to the lives of Parkinson’s sufferers up and down Ayrshire.
It is hoped that health bosses will listen to those sufferers and make Paula’s position permanent. And the Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) have even vowed to fund Paula’s post for two years if her job is here for good.
The group put their case to MSPs at Holyrood last week in a bid to get as much support as possible.
Eleanor Meikle of the Ayrshire branch explained: “People affected by Parkinson's in Ayrshire know how terrifying it can be when accurate medication is not given on time. The balance of chemicals in their brains can become severely disrupted – leading to symptoms including being unable to move, speak, eat or swallow, uncontrolled movements and hallucinations.
“It can take weeks to restore effective symptom control.”
And Eleanor described the difference Paula has made: “She has supported people to get their drugs on time, and we really feel that the situation is improving.
“Paula has made such a difference to people with Parkinson's who live in South and East Ayrshire. We really hope that Ayrshire and Arran Health Board will make her post permanent.”
MSPs Cathy Jamieson and John Scott were among those who heard what the PDS had to say in Edinburgh.
Mr Scott reckons the health board could reap big rewards from having a permanent specialist nurse in Ayrshire.
He said: “Because she is there, the consultant has more time for the most serious cases, and this is certainly saving NHS Ayrshire and Arran money.”
Ms Jamieson added: “"It is very clear from speaking to people with Parkinson's what a difference Paula has made.
“I'm glad to add my voice to those of the families affected.”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 57.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure ultimate health home, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimatehealthhome they walked us through the proper steps,am highly recommended this ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com to anyone who needs help.
My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 57.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure from ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimate life clinic they walked us through the proper steps, this their website www.ultimatelifeclinic.com to anyone who needs help.
Post a Comment