Parkinson’s Disease Consultants visit benefits Western Isles

NHS Western Isles welcomed Dr Ed Newman and Dr Vicky Marshall, Consultant Neurologists from Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, to Stornoway recently, as they provided dedicated Parkinson’s disease specialist patient clinics and tutorials aimed at local clinicians and health professionals.

Parkinson's disease, which is a condition that affects the brain, causes problems like shaking, slow movement and stiffness, which get worse over time.  Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain, however, it is still not clear exactly why this happens.

Consultants Newman and Marshall spent two full two days (11th and 12th June) providing practical face-to-face and online education teaching, skills sessions, as well as case discussions in clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, role of imaging, drug therapies and Atypical Parkinsons.  Staff also learned about the benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s disease; a surgical therapy used to treat certain aspects of Parkinson’s.

Dr Micheal Macdonald, from Langabhat Medical Practice, who attended said: “This training has been invaluable in helping me understand more about how the Parkinson’s disease service works locally. The tutorials and case discussions have also increased my clinical knowledge and awareness of what I could be doing in my own daily practice before making any referrals.  It has also enabled me to be aware of what our patients can expect at their Parkinson’s disease reviews. In general, these in-person learning events with mainland-based specialties not only improve our understanding of how the service works, and what can be offered, but also greatly improves the patient experience by strengthening a team-based approach to their care. All of this is vital in maintaining functional health services in a remote setting and I intend to share this learning with my colleagues."

Dr David Fearon, Group Medical Practice, who also attended, added: “It was very helpful seeing the common issues for Parkinson’s disease patients, which although common to primary care, does remain a challenge. It was very helpful to hear and learn about the different potential diagnoses and typical drug regimes.  It was also useful to learn more about advanced therapies such as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation)."

Rhoda Morrison, NHS Western Isles Neurology Nursing Team, said: “It was a privilege to be present at each of the sessions.  This team-based approach to patients living with a neurological condition in remote communities such as the Western Isles is vital.”

Several local Parkinsons disease patients also benefited by the visit, by attending a number of specialist face-to-face clinics provided by the Consultants, which usually would take place online via Near Me/Attend Anywhere remote consultations.

Feedback from patients was also very positive with one patient commenting: “It was great to see my Neurologist face-to-face.  He explained everything so well and made me feel at ease.  The thought of travelling to Glasgow makes me nervous, especially when I have problems with my tremor.  This was just ideal.”

Whilst another patient explained: “I loved the way the Consultant dictated the letter to my GP in front of me.  It made it clear what my plan was again. He (Dr Newman) was so easy to speak to and put me at ease.  He really listened to me.”

Consultants Newman and Marshall stated they themselves found their visit to be of immense benefit, especially when reviewing patients with a movement disorder face-to-face makes their assessment and review much easier, both for them and the patient.

The Consultants reported that they were very impressed with NHS Western Isles’ IT systems, acknowledging how everything ran smoothly for them during their visit.  However, they did obtain an insight to the challenges that local patients face when having to travel to Glasgow for hospital appointments, when their own return flight was delayed.

Pictured below are Dr Vicky Marshall, Dr Ed Newman and Angela Macleod, NHS Western Isles Neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis).