Northern Ireland campaigning
We campaign in Northern Ireland to make sure that the voices of
the more than 3,000 people with Parkinson's in Northern Ireland, and their
families and carers, are heard in the Northern Ireland
Assembly.
The importance of Parkinson's nurses
Our current focus is on promoting the value of Parkinson's nurses and showing how they help
save the health service money.
Parkinson's nurses are specially trained to provide expert care
and support to people with Parkinson's.
Northern Ireland's South Eastern Trust has been our only area
without a dedicated Parkinson's nurse.
In 2011 we were advised that the 2 nurses based in the Belfast
Trust area cover both Belfast and South Eastern Trust areas,
raising concerns for us.
As one of the posts is currently vacant we've been able to
negotiate that the replacement post will be employed by and based
within the South Eastern Trust.
This means that people living in the South Eastern Trust area
will have a dedicated nurse.
Image: Deirdre Murphy, a Parkinson's nurse in Northern
Ireland
Guide for commissioners
We've produced a report - Parkinson's
nurses - affordable, local, accessible and expert care. A guide for
commissioners in Northern Ireland.
The report demonstrates the contribution that Parkinson's nurses
in Northern Ireland make to people affected by Parkinson's and
their cost effectiveness to the health service.
Read more about our Fair care for
Parkinson's campaign, which is focusing on fair access to
Parkinson's nurses across the UK.
Your experience of Parkinson's nurses - add comments to our
map
Add your comments to our map and
help us show what a difference Parkinson's nurses make across the
whole of the UK.
Tell us what your Parkinson's nurse means to you. Or tell us why
you need one.
The importance of getting medication on time
Following the appointment of a Parkinson's nurse, there has been a vast improvement in the care offered.
The benefits are tangible and visible.
Dr Raeburn Forbes, Consultant Neurologist
In 2012, we're working with the Guidelines and Audit Implementation
Network (GAIN) to carry out a clinical audit in hospitals
across Northern Ireland.
This is to gather evidence on how Parkinson's drugs are managed during hospital
admissions.
Medication is the main way of controlling Parkinson's. Access to medication at the right time is vital
for people with the condition.
If people with Parkinson's are unable to get their medication on
time, it may lead to their Parkinson's becoming uncontrolled,
leaving people unable to move, walk or get out of bed.
A survey of Parkinson's UK members in Northern Ireland revealed
that 56% were not able to get their medication on time during their
stay in hospital.
Welfare reform
The Welfare Reform Bill was introduced in the Northern Ireland
Assembly in 2012.
This proposes major changes to the current Disability Living Allowance, replacing it with
a benefit called the Personal Independence Payment.
We have concerns about some of the changes this will mean for
people with Parkinson's and will be lobbying local decision
makers.
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