PDNS PAGES

Ireland now has four Parkinson's Nurse Specialists working in that capacity -
- Brian Magennis, working in the Mater Hospital in Dublin,
- Mags Richardson, working from the Regional Hospital in Limerick,
- Heather Kevelighan, working in St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. and
- Patrick Browne who has resumed working at the University Hospital in Galway.



Brian tells us that he has commenced running a PDNS Clinic, at which he can have more time with, for instance, a patient who may be newly diagnosed and in need of detailed explanation/reassurance in a quieter atmosphere.

Mags Richardson, who works 50% of her time in the community, including home visits, has seen the advantages of spending time with patients in their own homes, and we would like to see enough PDNS to ensure that all patients with Parkinson's could avail of this service.

In both instances, time, a quiet atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to ask questions!

The question of funding for these positions is a thorny one, as some are fully funded by their HSE, some partially, some privately, either through donations or pharmaceutical funding. More on this to come.

Two articles in this section, with more to come! Click on the link to the right to access!