MSP MAKES PLEA FOR PARKINSON’S SPECIALIST APPOINTMENT

SNP MSP and Convener of the Parliament’s Health Committee Christine Grahame MSP has called on NHS Borders to support the appointment of a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist (PDNS) following an event which was held at the Scottish Parliament to highlight the shortage of such specialists across Scotland. The Parkinson’s Disease Society has warned that the situation in the South of Scotland is “particularly grave” with NHS Borders being one of three health boards not to have in place a PDNS. Ms Grahame, who sponsored the awareness raising event at Parliament said:

“It is worth stressing that the nursing staff in the Borders are extremely dedicated and hardworking and do their very best to support and nurse patients with Parkinson’s Disease. However with the best will in the world they simply cannot provide the level specialist information and support that a PDNS can provide for people in their homes and those, mostly relatives, who support them.

“I congratulate the Parkinson’s Disease Society for bringing this issue to the attention of MSPs and bringing attention to this shortage of nursing specialists, the PDNS, who plays such a vital role in supporting those with Parkinson’s.”

SNP It’s time.....