Improving the integration of Parkinson's services - Sheffield Teaching Hospital

Challenge

In 2001, the Trust's Older People's Directorate identified a gap in services for people with Parkinson's.

Integrated services were limited in the city, and the quality of care was generally lacking.

Patients said they would like more information about their condition, as well as access to a Parkinson's nurse.

Action

Dr Liddle, a consultant care of the elderly physician, developed a special interest in Parkinson's. She remodelled her elderly rehabilitation day hospital clinic as a Parkinson's clinic. This immediately enabled patients to benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to managing their condition.

A Parkinson's stakeholder group was developed for Sheffield which brought together all staff involved in the care of the condition in the city.

The result has been the development of integrated services in Sheffield, including an inpatient and outpatient service and a Parkinson's nurse-led clinic.

Guidelines have also been developed to help GPs refer their patients to the most appropriate neurologist or geriatrician with an interest in Parkinson's.

Achievements

• Parkinson's clinic and multi-disciplinary input at the 2 day hospitals in Sheffield, a day rehabilitation unit and an assessment rehabilitation centre
  
  
• The Parkinson's stakeholder group brings together hospital and community staff, geriatricians and neurologists. Links between all the different professionals in Sheffield looking after Parkinson's patients have improved.
  
  
• A series of education meetings for GPs, patients and carers have been held leading to better understanding of the condition.
  
  
• Winners of the Hospital Doctor, Parkinson's team of the year 2006

 

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