Sacred Heart House Care Home announce Parkinson’s Champions!

NHS Western Isles is delighted to announce that Christine MacAulay, Social Care Worker, and Mary MacLean, Social Care Assistant, who are both employed by Sacred Heart House Care Home on South Uist, have been introduced as NHS Western Isles’ Parkinson’s Champions.

The role of the Parkinson’s Champion is to ensure that services are constantly improving, and staff are continually working towards a better standard and understanding of the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s.

Angela Macleod, Neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis), had previously hosted a Parkinson’s training session at Sacred Heart and offered those attending the opportunity to become a dedicated Parkinson’s Champion.

Both Christine and Mary expressed an interest in learning more about the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s, and now continue to share their knowledge to improve patient care with their colleagues.

Angela said, “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 varies in how it affects people, which is why it is so important to have a better understanding.  Everyone's experience of living with Parkinson's is different, but there are lots of issues and challenges shared by many people living with the condition. 

“I’m very happy to welcome Christine and Mary as our latest Parkinson’s Champions, and look forward to continuing the local Neurological Specialist Nursing Service’s joint working with Sacred Heart House Care.”

The very first NHS Western Isles Parkinson’s Champion, Lorna McGinnity, Social Care Worker, was unveiled in Trianaid Care Home in North Uist in August 2024, and it is hoped to develop further Parkinson’s Champions across the Western Isles.

It is hoped to develop further Parkinson’s Champions across the Western Isles. For further information on becoming a Parkinson's Champion, please contact the Neurological Specialist Nursing Service, tel. 01851 763301 or email: wi.neurology@nhs.scot

Pictured: Christine MacAulay and Mary MacLean (both in pink and L-R) with staff from Sacred Heart House Care Home, and Angela Macleod, NHS Western Isles Neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis), on far right.