An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde event designed to help shape the future of Parkinson’s disease services has been hailed a success after attracting more people than expected and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.
Around 70 patients, carers and family members attended the event at the William Quarrier Epilepsy Centre in Glasgow, where they met specialist staff, heard from expert speakers and took part in discussions about their experiences of care.
Organised by Dr Steven Wishart, Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Director for Older People’s Services, the event brought together people living with Parkinson’s and the multidisciplinary team who support them, including medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy services. Attendees were also able to learn more about the support available to them and ask questions directly to members of the team.
Following the event, participants were invited to complete a feedback survey, with more than 90 per cent of respondents describing the day positively and highlighting the value of hearing from staff, meeting others affected by Parkinson’s and having the opportunity to share their views.
Dr Wishart said: “We were delighted with the response to the event and extremely grateful to everyone who came along and took part.
“The willingness of patients, carers and families to share their experiences helps us better understand what matters most to the people who use our services. The feedback we have received has been incredibly positive and reinforces the value of bringing people together in this way.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the staff, volunteers and partners who helped make the event possible. The views shared on the day will play an important role in helping us plan and develop Parkinson’s services for the future.”
The event formed part of NHSGGC’s ongoing commitment to involving patients and carers in service design and improvement, ensuring that future developments are informed by the experiences and priorities of the people who use services every day. Feedback gathered from attendees will now help shape future plans for Parkinson’s care across NHSGGC’s South Sector.
