This is a reminder that people in Barking & Dagenham and Havering have access to a community-based Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist service, provided by North East London Foundation Trust. This is in addition to the service in Redbridge, which went live earlier this year.
GPs can refer eligible patients directly using the e-referral form. Patients must be aged 18 or over, registered with a GP in the borough, and have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis from either a Neurologist or Care of the Elderly Physician.
What the service provides
The community Parkinson’s nurse specialist, Kirsten Turner and Karen Hamilton have been providing support following diagnosis and throughout all stages of the complex neurological condition, including medication reviews and deliver nurse-led clinics.
Their role is to provide vital education to patients on how best to manage their symptoms and advice to help manage complex medications and feel more in control of their condition. Kirsten and Gill also work out in the community, visiting patients wherever appropriate, including homes for patients who are house bound.
The nurse specialist aim to help prevent admissions to hospital with assessments, individualised care plans and follow-ups in between consultant appointments, and provide early and appropriate referral to other teams.
The contact details for the Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist service is below:
Tel: 0300 300 1848
Fax: 01708 576248
Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm