People power prevails in West Sussex Parkinson's nurse campaign
25 July 2011
There were victorious celebrations in West Sussex last week
following confirmation that the local GP consortium has agreed to
appoint a specialist Parkinson's nurse
for the area.
This is a welcome, proper and necessary decision.
Local campaigning
combined with the strength of a petition of over 1,200 signatures
has helped ensure Coastal West Sussex will be getting the nurse
they've spent months trying to secure.
Local MPs Nick Herbert and Sir Peter Bottomley were also
enlisted to offer invaluable support to secure nurse accessibility
in the area.
Desperately needed resource
Lucy McGrath, our influence and service development officer in
the South East region, comments:
"We are delighted that the GP consortium has listened to the
voices of local people affected by Parkinson's and agreed to provide this much
needed Parkinson's nurse.
"We hope that the nurse can be recruited as quickly as possible
so that people with Parkinson's are soon able to get the support
and advice they need to manage their condition.
"This decision will offer relief, reassurance and much needed
support to the 600 people living with Parkinson's in the area,
their families and their carers."
Specialist knowledge
Local woman Apple Holden, 67, who was integral to the
campaign, was overjoyed at the decision. She has been living with
Parkinson's for around 4 years:
"This Parkinson's nurse will make so much difference to so many
people. It gives you that person you can get in touch with, when
you need them.
"They are such a vital service. Only a person with such
specialist knowledge can offer that to people."
Image right: Members of our Worthing and District Branch
with Parkinson's UK staff, presenting the petition back in
May
Access to a Parkinson's nurse for all
This outcome for us in West Sussex is a fantastic example of how
successful campaigning on the value of nurses and the positive
impacts they bring to those living with Parkinson's can be.
We launched our new campaign last week to Protect Parkinson's nurses in England.
Securing this position is a step in the right direction towards
our goal of making sure that everyone living with Parkinson's in
the UK has access to a Parkinson's nurse by 2015.
Well done to all the members of our Worthing and District Branch for their tireless
efforts.
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