photo: Eleri Roberts, Parkinson's Disease Specialist Nurse

The North West Wales NHS Trust has appointed a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist to cover the Gwynedd area.

Eleri Roberts will provide a direct link for around 300 mainly elderly patients who suffer from the degenerative disease in Gwynedd. She will provide a specialist service focusing on managing the effects of the disease.

The community-based service will focus on assessment, managing medication and the evaluation of the ongoing care needed for patients. As part of her role Eleri will provide emotional support for patients and their carers as they come to terms with the initial diagnosis. She will also be developing community based clinic sessions so that patients can be seen closer to their own home.

Eleri Roberts said: “I am looking forward to making a positive contribution and will be able to provide a direct link between patients and doctors. We already have a well established Parkinson’s Disease service and my aim is to complement this service for the benefit of the patient There will be one contact point and a familiar face who can help them access the full range of care that we provide.”

Eleri takes up the role having previously served as a Ward Sister at Ysbyty Eryri, where she will continue to be based in her new role The post is jointly funded by the North West Wales NHS Trust and the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition which affects movements such as walking, swallowing and writing. Symptoms include tremor of the hand or arm, muscle rigidity or stiffness and slowness of movement. There is currently no cure for the disease and drug therapy is the main form of treatment for the relief and control of symptoms.