Parkinson's Disease Unit - Edgeware Community Hospital, Barnet
Ethos
Holistic assessment and treatment of Parkinson's disease can
improve the quality of life of patients, lessen the burden on
carers and reduce the economic impact of the condition on health
and social services. With this in mind the multidisciplinary
Parkinson's clinic was set up in September 1997.
Service model
- The European
Parkinson's Disease Association Charter was used as a benchmark
upon which the service was developed. The Charter states that
patients should be referred to a doctor with a special interest in
Parkinson's, must receive an accurate diagnosis, have access to
support services, receive continuous care and to be active partners
in managing their condition.
- The service is patient-centred enabling patients and their
families to make informed decisions about their care.
- The service integrates health and social care to support
patients from diagnosis to the end of life.
- The Parkinson's clinic offers a 'one stop shop' enabling
coordinated patient care and reducing the need for patients to deal
with multiple appointments from various health care professionals
at different sites.
- Operates an open access system for complex Parkinson's disease
patients. This ensures interventions are timely reducing the need
for crisis admissions.
- Provides support and advice to carers to lessen the strain on
them.
- The service model is cost effective and could be applied to the
management of other long term neurological conditions.
Achievements
The service has steadily grown over the years and is currently used
by over 1,000 patients from Barnet and the neighbouring boroughs.
The service is acknowledged as a centre of excellence. The clinic
is featured on the Department of Health's website as an example of
good practice for the management of long-term conditions. It also
featured in the Health Service Journal (July 2006) and BMA news
(February 2006) as an innovative practice example under the hidden
heroes of the NHS.
This is a truly patient-centred service, which fulfils the
recommendations set out in the NICE Guideline and Parkinson's
Disease Patient Charter. Through the integration of health and
social care services and the provision of seamless care, patients
have experienced significant improvement in their quality of life.
The multidisciplinary approach has helped to increase patient
independence, reduce hospital admissions and delay the need for
institutional care for many.
Contact details
Sally Mathew
Sally.Mathew@barnet-pct.nhs.uk
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