Nurse and Dietician Service
Parkinson’s Ireland has two Parkinson’s nurse specialists and a dietician through our helpline service and one nurse specialist in our in-person clinic in Cork.
Nursing and Dietician Service
Parkinson’s Ireland has two Parkinson’s nurse specialists and a dietician through our helpline service and one nurse in our in-person clinic in Cork. There is a major shortage of Parkinson’s nurse specialists and other allied health professionals in Ireland and as such our services are vital in filling this gap.
Our nurse specialists and dietician promote self-management and self-care, and reduce the dependence on a neurologist as the first point of contact for queries.
These services take a person-centered approach, providing specific education to empower a person with Parkinson’s and their care partner on their journey with Parkinson’s disease, while also educating health professionals caring for those with PD.
These services help to keep people with Parkinson’s well and reduce hospitalisations. The service aims to reduce the dependence on acute services as the first point of contact for queries. Our nurses and dietician also play an important role in educating other health professionals on Parkinson’s disease, e.g. through educational talks and workshops.
Please see below how you can access each service:
Our Parkinson’s nurse helpline service
Two of our nurses, Lisa Wynne and Kathy Foley, operate our helpline service, which is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Call 1800 359 359 and you will reach our office manager who will schedule a call back for you or your loved one.
Our nurses are happy to speak with you regarding a new diagnosis, medication, symptoms changes, exercise and more. The nurse cannot advise on specific queries in relation to medication and such queries will be signposted to the prescriber or a pharmacist.”
Our nurses also run a weekly zoom clinic for members and a newly diagnosed course for those at the beginning of their Parkinson’s journey.
Our nurses recently updated our information leaflets which cover a range of topics, including motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Please click here to access these or call 1800 359 359 and we will post physical copies to you.
Please note that this is not an emergency helpline and we will always aim to get back to you within one working day. If your call is regarding an urgent medical matter, please contact your GP, consultant or A&E department.
Our PD Nurse Specialist Service in Cork
Our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service in County Cork is available on an appointment only basis.
Charlotte Deasy is available to offer in-person advice to those with Parkinson’s and their care partners in all of County Cork.
This service is based in Carrigaline Primary Care Centre, Kilnaglery, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.
Please email nurse@parkinsons.ie or call 1800 359359 for all appointment queries.
Dietician Callback Service
Our Dietician Richelle Flanagan operates the dietician callback service on a part time basis. Please call 1800 359359 and you will reach our office manager who will schedule a call back for you or your loved one.
Richelle is a registered dietician who lives with Parkinson’s and she can talk you through any queries you have regarding diet, health and nutrition.
We also updated our ‘Eating Well with Parkinson’s Disease’ booklet, which was written alongside Richelle and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. Please click here to download the PDF version of this, or call 1800 359359 and we can post a physical copy to you.