TREATMENT for patients with Parkinson's in the Lothians has received a boost following the appointment of a three-strong specialist team.
NHS Lothian announced that the trio would work from the city's elderly people's hospital, the Royal Victoria, and result in a much improved service for sufferers.
It is expected that the growing number of cases of Parkinson's in the area will only
continue due to a rising population and ageing demographic.
Dr Conor Maguire, consultant in medicine for the elderly and chairman, said: "The new team will bring a change in the support we can provide for patients with Parkinson's and for those who care for them.
"One of their key roles will be to provide patients and carers with practical guidance on managing the condition themselves, and allowing them to maximise their independence and have the best possible quality of life."
The health board has been criticised in the past for its commitment to the illness.
A question in the Scottish Parliament this year revealed that there were no full-time nurses in the area specialising in Parkinson's, when in Glasgow there were four.
Health chiefs have now moved to address this with the new appointment.
These nurses will not only have their own work to focus on, but can also provide help and advice for healthcare professionals, such as GPs or staff on surgical and medical wards.
Andrew Sim, the Parkinson's Disease Society manager for Scotland, said a team able to concentrate purely on the disease would provide a huge lift for patients and their families.
He said: "People with Parkinson's are in particular need of specialist support, in part because they are critically reliant on the timing and formulation of their medications.
"They also have different physical and psychological needs from many other patients."
The posts will be funded for two years by the charity, after which NHS Lothian will take on the financing.
Alison Darbyshire, one of the nurses involved, has worked in elderly medicine for two decades.
As part of their roles, the nurses will be able to accept direct referrals from primary and secondary care and develop nurse-led clinics which can monitor and adjust the therapy received by a Parkinson's patient. A pledge has also been made to see and assess all newly-diagnosed cases in the area within two weeks.
Ms Darbyshire said: "I am looking forward to the unique role and hope to be an ongoing source of support to people with the disease and their carers."
www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk,
www.parkinsons.org.uk 