A member of staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has spent a day with royalty after receiving an invitation to help celebrate the work of Parkinson’s Nurses around the UK.
Elizabeth Craig, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow, attended an Afternoon Tea Reception at St James’s Palace, London, on Monday (25th), to celebrate and recognise the 35th anniversary of the Parkinson’s Nurse.
Elizabeth has been a Parkinson’s Nurse since 1997, providing care and support for patients and their families and carers who are living with this condition.
However, while it was her name was on the invitation to Monday’s event, she saw it as an accolade for the entire Parkinson’s team at the hospital.
“This isn’t really about me,” she said. “It’s about the service and the work the team does to support our patients and families.”
Elizabeth is in the New Victoria Hub, part of the South Glasgow Movement Disorder Hub, which is made up of consultants, physiotherapists, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, an admin secretary, a Parkinson’s Support Worker – and, of course, Elizabeth.
The team has been developed specifically to provide person-centred support to patients, and to everyone involved in their care – and that service continues to evolve to reflect the needs of those who use it.
“We’re really proud of what we do here,” said Elizabeth. “We have got to know our patients and have created a service that really works for them.
“But I think the secret of this service is its whole-team approach. We all work so closely together, and we share information so well among the team, that we can trust each other to deliver the help the patient needs, using all the skills our colleagues have at their disposal, without unnecessary delays.”
Dawn Allan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, agreed, and laid out the ethos of the team in the simplest of terms. “Our aim is to empower patients to live well with Parkinson’s,” she said.
Patients using the service have direct access to staff, and can call them for help and support at any time. If they can’t get through, the aim is for staff to return a call within 24 hours, and ideally on the same day.
Victoria Mullen, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, said: “We have built up a really close working relationship between the whole team and our patients, and working as part of this close-knit team and understanding each other’s roles ensures timely referrals to the right professionals at the right time.
“We have a strong focus on proactive rather than reactive care.”
Victoria added: “We are also supported by our admin support staff and day hospital nursing staff who provide a helpful, welcoming and reassuring first point of contact for our patients.”
One patient who has first-hand experience of this level of care is Andy Leven, 76, from Glasgow’s south side.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over two years ago, and he and his wife Phil have nothing but good things to say about the care and support they have received.
“They’re not like medics – they really have become our friends,” said Andy, a retired Policy Officer with Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).
“It’s obvious they really care about their patients, and their help and support has helped me stay positive through some pretty difficult times.”
Former teacher Phil, 70, has her own very personal reasons for appreciating the care the Hub team have given them. “When Andy got the diagnosis I was quite upset as my sister had died from Parkinson’s.
“But the team were great with me, and through them I’ve realised that every Parkinson’s journey is different, and now I can look forward with real positivity.”
And it wasn’t the basic medical care that has left such a positive impression on Andy and Phil.
Andy explained: “From day one their support has been amazing – we’ve had so much practical help, and on top of that they put us in touch with so many local support organisations. I’ve never seen such helpful, accommodating people.”
The couple expressed their thanks to the entire team – but they reserved special praise for “Sister Craig”.
Phil said: “She’s been amazing throughout this process. We can call her anytime, and if I can’t speak to her there and then, she’ll call back, if not the same day then within 24 hours.
“Just knowing she’s there gives us a huge sense of security.
“Sister Craig and the whole team really are a credit to their professions. It’s so clear they just want to help people make the best of themselves while learning to live with this condition.”
Geraldine Marsh, Chief Nurse for South Sector at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “As is the case across the country, all our services are under considerable pressure.
“Staff throughout NHSGGC have gone above and beyond to meet the challenges they face, but it is particularly positive to see a group of staff who have created a strong team culture that uses all the resources at their disposal to deliver really great care.
“The New Victoria Parkinson’s team is a case in point, and I would like to thank them all for the great work they do.”
