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NHS Trafford has appointed a Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist after agreeing funding for the post from the Parkinson’s UK.
Rachel Lodge took up the position at the beginning of March after working as a district nursing sister in the borough for the last ten years.
She is based with the neuro rehabilitation team and will be setting up a specialist Parkinson’s disease service to support and advise patients who are living with the disease, and their carers, in Trafford.
Rachel said: “I have always had an interest in Parkinson’s and have been involved with many patients living with it during my time in the district nursing team.
“As part of my role, I will be working alongside existing services in Trafford and other areas to support patients locally by assessing and monitoring them. I will also be educating patients, carers and other healthcare professionals, and I will be continually developing the service to accommodate the needs of my patients and staff involved in their care.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movements such as walking, talking and writing. It also has non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance and depression.
Parkinson’s UK is a support and research charity for people with the condition and their carers. Penny Cunliffe, one of NHS Trafford’s occupational therapists, chairs the Trafford branch of the charity. She commented: “We have worked closely with NHS Trafford to agree funding for the post, and we are delighted that Rachel can join the team.
“This is an important step in improving care for people with the disease in the borough and providing support for their families, and we are pleased that the need for this post has been recognised.”
This week (11 to 17 April) is Parkinson's Awareness Week. The Trafford branch of Parkinson’s UK organises social and educational events, and is involved in fundraising and campaigning to improve services for people with Parkinson’s. For more information, call 0161 747 9387.
Trafford Primary Care Trust, 2nd Floor Oakland House, Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0PQ