
The telephone no. for the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service is 01209 318048
The current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is an illness caused by a new strain of the virus. We understand that you may be concerned about this virus and have many questions. We have tried to answer as many as we can for you in this letter.
We have written to you because you are considered at risk with COVID19 if you have a chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease. COVID-19 can affect your lungs and airways. Complications can develop for some people with underlying conditions. You may have concerns if you are living with Parkinson’s, or you help to support someone with the condition.
We have tried to answer some common questions. However, as COVID19 is a new virus, facts and guidance are still emerging and changing.
Parkinson’s UK have produced advice that they will update. You can find these here: www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/understanding-coronavirus-andparkinsons
As the situation changes you must follow government guidelines to protect yourself, your family and the NHS staff who care for you. How can I prepare for COVID-19 (coronavirus)? Take the following steps or ask your carers to help:
What are the symptoms?
Is there any treatment?
What should I do if I show symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
Do I need to self-isolate and if so, how will I get support?
People who do need to be in close contact with you should also strictly follow the social distancing guidelines to reduce risk of bringing infection into your home. They may need to help you with shopping and picking up medical supplies. The Government has provided Guidance on Social Distancing which you can access through the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/). It has useful advice for older people and vulnerable adults who need help with care.
If your main carer is unable to assist you for any reason, contact your local authority for help see www.gov.uk/find-local-council . We have put in contact details at the end of this letter.
If you have a professional care worker who becomes unable to support you, contact the care agency first for guidance. If the agency cannot provide alternative support, contact your local authority for help.
What should I do if I am a carer for someone with Parkinson’s?
Can I still work?
If you haven’t already done so, now is an important time to talk to your family about your wishes should you become ill and not be able to speak for yourself. If you have an advanced decision plan you should review this and update it. You should also discuss what might happen should your family members become ill.
We understand that this may be a frightening time for people with Parkinson’s and their families. We are working hard to make sure you get the best care we can offer whilst protecting everyone from the virus as much as we can.
Who can I contact for help?
You should follow the NHS guidelines to call 111 if you are so unwell you are unable to carry out your daily activities or 999 in an emergency.
Other forms of support
Parkinson’s UK - Parkinson’s UK helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Kay Lillie, Parkinson’s Local Adviser Covering Bude, Launceston, Callington,Saltash, Torpoint & Rame Head. klillie@parkinsons.org.uk Tel: 0344 225 9839
Jo Sampson, Parkinson’s Local Adviser Covering the rest of Cornwall jsampson@parkinsons.org.uk Tel: 0344 225 9824
Parkinson’s UK Cornwall - parkinsonscornwall.com
Consider joining the Parkinson’s UK Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parkinsonsukcommunitygroup
Cornwall Council: covid19@cornwall.gov.uk Adult Social Services number 0300 123 4131
Neurology Care Advice Service Tel: 01209 318 106 To support people to manage their condition
The Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service is able available to provide ongoing support if you have received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service will provide you with an assessment and nursing care to meet your personal needs. They will provide you and your family or carers with up to date information on the condition. They will help you all to make informed decisions about your future care so treatment can be tailored to your individual needs. Throughout the condition, from diagnosis onwards they will encourage you to play an active role in managing the condition.
They will work closely with your Consultant and GP. They will also refer you to other services who may be required to support your ongoing care. Our Parkinson’s specialist nurses also work closely pharmacists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. They also work with community matrons, district nurses and other specialist nurses, together with other agencies such as Adult Social Care and Parkinson’s UK.
Our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists will monitor and recommend medication changes with your Consultant and GP. They may be able to prescribe Parkinson’s related medication for you. They will use their specialist expertise to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your medication.
For more details of our Parkinson’s Services, please see our Parkinson's Nurse Specialist Leaflet [pdf] 687KB
Our Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service sees many people who have difficulties in speech, communication and/or swallowing arising from Parkinson’s Disease.
The earliest sign of difficulty is often a loss of loudness of speech. You may also notice a lack of melody or intonation in your voice and a mild reduction in the clarity of your speech. You may experience swallowing difficulties at a later stage.
Everyone is at different stages of Parkinson’s Disease and has different needs, to ensure we are able to support you we offer a range of interventions ranging from intensive treatment (Lee Silverman Voice treatment), to more general support and advice aimed at helping you and your family to cope more easily with your difficulty.
9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
How to Manage an Acute Deterioration in your Parkinson’s Symptoms