Karen Lister, Parkinson's nurse

Karen Lister is a specialist Parkinson's nurse. The practical and emotional help she offers to her 300 patients really helps to improve their quality of life.

"Before I was appointed, some of my patients had Parkinson's for 7 years without seeing a Parkinson's nurse.

"Since I've worked with them, they've noticed a big difference - when things go wrong they can just pick up the phone and call me."

Karen Lister

A typical day for Karen

9am - visiting patients in their own homes

"Every day is different, but this morning I have 3 half-hour visits to make to some of my regular patients in their own homes.

"I'm starting out by seeing Cliff, to make some adjustments to his medication.

"It is incredibly important to get the tablets and doses just right, so patients can get on top of their symptoms as much as possible, and minimise any side effects."

Video - Karen talks about the role of specialist nurses in clinics and home visits

12noon - patient education group

"It's now time for my patient education group. This includes a 45 minute educational session - when we invite a therapist or other health professional to speak to the group.

"The key here is to provide people with Parkinson's with as many tools as possible to improve their quality of life."

Video - Karen talks about the role of specialist nurses in referring to other services

3.30pm - hospital training meeting

"This afternoon I have a meeting at the hospital to discuss training.

"It is essential that doctors and nurses are able to recognise the varied range of symptoms attributable to Parkinson's.

"The more that health professionals know, the better equipped they are to enable early diagnosis and get patients the treatment they need right from the start."

Video - Karen talks about the role of specialist nurses in training ward staff

Other video clip from Karen

Video - The role of specialist nurses in providing telephone support

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