Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands
NHS Highland is set to recruit a second Parkinson’s nurse for the area imminently.
The new post has come about through the efforts of local people, who worked with the charity Parkinson’s UK to campaign for more specialist nurse support.
There are an estimated 600 people living with the complex brain condition in the region, which spans from Caithness to Fort William.
Parkinson’s UK recommends a maximum caseload of 300 people for each full-time nurse, with fewer in remote areas, to account for travel. The additional nurse for north Highland will mean the area has enough specialist nurse capacity for the number of people currently living with Parkinson’s.
The charity is funding the new role for the first two years. NHS Highland is also set to recruit another senior nurse, to replace the current postholder, who is due to retire later in the year.
Testimonies from existing service users formed the basis of the case for an additional specialist nurse.
Andrew Grant from Inverness, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost seven years ago, was part of the campaign group.
He said: “We’ve been working on this since we first became aware that Sharon Sutherland, the current nurse, who’s been covering the region singlehanded for many years, was planning to retire at the end of 2025. We were conscious of the fact that her workload was already in excess of what is recommended and keen to see more support made available.
“I know myself that the Parkinson’s nurse is an important conduit for information right from the point of diagnosis. But we’ve heard people explaining how she has supported them with medication issues, helped them access new treatments, and given them practical advice on matters like sleep and mobility. People also talked about the reassurance they felt at having the Parkinson’s nurse available at the other end of a phone call.
“Indeed one person said that, without their Parkinson’s nurse, they doubted their ability to live a reasonably controlled lifestyle.”
James Jopling, Scotland director for Parkinson’s UK, said: “This is great news for local people living with Parkinson’s, who have made a robust case for increased provision in north Highland. We’re delighted to support NHS Highland to deliver this new specialist nurse role.
“People with Parkinson’s tell us that the most important person helping them to live with their condition is their Parkinson’s nurse. This is a fantastic example where everyone has come together to improve access to the vital care and advice that specialist nurses provide to allow people to live well with Parkinson’s.”
Helen Dawson, divisional nurse manager in NHS Highland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Parkinson’s UK on this as we look to expand the service we can give our patients in Highland.
“We know how much our patients value the service they currently receive and, thanks to the funding from Parkinson’s UK we can now improve on that with this extra post.
“A huge thank you to the charity for their support and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”
