DiaThe nurses need training about Parkinson patients. Most of them in the wards haven’t got a clue about Parkinson’s disease. Since the older generation are living longer Parkinson is on the increase and the staff in the wards should be made aware about this disease.
Parkinson’s is a serious illness which needs to be highlighted.
The spasm and toe curling which Parkinson’s patients experience at night are not to be taken lightly but I am afraid to say that the night staff do not respond to these patients quickly. Sometimes the bowels open up and the night staff take their time responding to the patients. The day staff and nurses in the wards are very prompt in responding to these patients as they want to impress the doctors who come on their rounds during the day. The clinical nurse in charge of the ward wants her ward look neat and tidy before visiting time but they don’t realise or don’t know that Parkinson’s patients can’t get up and go to have a shower first thing in the morning because after their first medication of the day they can’t move or stand on their legs. They at least half an hour for the tablets to kick in before they can function again.
I am sorry and sad to say that the staff in the wards lack the knowledge and has not being trained properly about Parkinson’s disease. It is not their fault that they have not been told or had the training to deal with this disease.
The hospital management should be made aware of this lack of training in nurses as well as the staff who man the desk at night so that they can deal with PD patients at night properly.
Hi @Parry1,
Welcome back to the forum and apologies for my delayed response.
There is no formal qualification to become a Parkinson nurse however anyone taking on the role must be a qualified nurse to Degree or Masters level. They will build up their training and skill’s by attending specialist training course’s some are specific to Parkinson’s and others are not but all are important to ensure that they can provide the high quality holistic support to people with Parkinson their carers and family members. However, you’ve clearly had your own person experience with dealing nurses in the hospital and I’m really sorry to hear that it wasn’t a positive one.
I’ve passed your comment onto our Head of UK Excellence Network for her to look into this and I’ll revert back to you with any information/ support following her response.
Best wishes,
Reah
Hi @Parry1,
Further to my comment above, I have sent you a private message with more information as promised.
Best wishes,
Reah