Parkinson’s
Community Parkinson's Specialist Nursing service: Temporary reduction in capacity
First Community's Parkinson's Specialist Nurse will be retiring in July after many years of dedicated service to patients across east Surrey.
We are currently recruiting to this post; however, this has proven challenging, as the role is now being advertised for a third time without attracting suitable candidates. Until we have successfully completed the recruitment process we will not have a Community Parkinson's Specialist service.
Referrals to the service will continue to be accepted and triaged, however, referrers are asked to make patients aware that there may be a considerable delay before they are offered an appointment.
During this period, please could GPs continue to support patients with routine management, prescribing, and medication-related queries where appropriate. Patients requiring specialist medical review should continue to access support through their consultant-led Parkinson's service.
Patients and carers are also encouraged to access support from Parkinson's UK, which provides information, advice, and practical support, including access to specialist nurse expertise through its confidential helpline:
- Parkinson's UK Helpline: 0808 800 0303
- Website: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
This temporary reduction in community nursing capacity does not affect patients scheduled appointments with their hospital consultant teams.
First Community recognises the importance of the Parkinson's Specialist Nurse role and the impact this vacancy may have on patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. The organisation is working to recruit to this essential post as quickly as possible, and a further update will be shared when substantive arrangements are in place.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and collaboration during this challenging period.
About the service
The service provides specialist support for anyone who has a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's
Following a diagnosis of Parkinson's or a Parkinson's related condition it can difficult to find the right person to help you when you need advice, support, equipment and care.
People with Parkinson's with an east Surrey GP are offered the support of a Specialist Nurse for Parkinson's. View the leaflet below to find out more about the service.
