Parkinson's disease

We provide support for people across north and west Dorset who have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Our four specialist nursing teams works in both community settings and hospital outpatient units, offering assessments, monitoring, support and advice to patients and their carers.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a slowly progressive neurological condition that occurs when cells are lost from the part of the brain that controls movement. Parkinson’s affects every person differently. The symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person.

Parkinson’s has four main physical symptoms:

• tremor
• muscular rigidity or stiffness
• slowness of movement
• poor balance or posture.

You may not experience all these symptoms.

What does the service provide?

• support, education and advice to patients, relatives and carers
• monitoring of patients’ clinical status following changes in recommended medication for their Parkinson’s
• telephone contact for patients, family and carers for advice
• encouragement for patients to be actively involved in monitoring and managing their own condition
• communication between the hospital and community.

The staff team

The Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist is part of the team of health professionals who look after you and works closely with:

• consultants
• speech and language therapist
• physiotherapist
• occupational therapist
• social worker
• community matron
• Parkinson’s UK support worker
• district nurses
• community pharmacists
• continence department.

All these people will ensure that you and your family are well-supported and kept informed.