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

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

If you, or your loved one, would like to access this service please contact the Parkinson’s nursing team in your area.

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.

Who can access the service?

The north and west Dorset nurse-led service provides a follow-up service for patients who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism who have been referred during a hospital admission or from a Parkinson’s out-patient clinic.

Follow-up may consist of a combination of:

• home visits (for those who are housebound)
• community clinic
• telephone contact.

Once you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the specialist nurse will offer you support, information and advice on:

• early intervention
• proactive review
• self-management
• food and drink
• treatment
• lifestyle changes
• what to do if you feel unwell
• managing symptoms
• activity.

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.

Contact us

The Parkinson’s nurse specialist is available from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm except bank holidays, on 01258 394127.

At other times, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.

Please note that we do not offer an emergency service, so if you are feeling unwell, please contact your GP surgery or the Dorset Out of Hours Medical Service on 111

Useful links

Dorset County Hospital website

University Hospitals Dorset website

Parkinson’s UK

215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJ

Freephone helpline: 0808 800 0303

www.parkinsons.org.uk   

Bridport and District Parkinson’s Support Group

St Swithun’s Church Hall, Bridport

Monthly on the fourth Tuesday 2-4pm

Contact:  Frances Morgan  07876 692006 morfran54@gmail.com

Fitness by Design, Gillingham

Gym session for people with Parkinson’s run by the Wincanton group
Unit 19 Old Market Place Gillingham, SP8 4QQ

Parkinson’s Dance Class

Sherborne (Free)

Thursdays 2.30-4pm

Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre

Tinney’s Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3DY

Wincanton Parkinson’s Group

Charlton Musgrove Memorial Hall

Shalford Lane, BA9 8HF

Monthly on the third Tuesday 2.30-4.30pm

Contact:    Mary Jane Hunter  0344 225 3695

Feedback

Dorset HealthCare welcomes any feedback on your experience of the nurse-led service. We would appreciate if you could give your feedback on this form.