New post is a UK first for Tayside nurse
NHS Tayside has welcomed the appointment of the UK’s first Parkinson’s Nurse with a special interest in mental health, marking a significant step forward in care for people living with Parkinson’s across Tayside.
The new post, held by Melanie McGill, is based within the Neurology Team at Ninewells Hospital and has been made possible through two years of pump-prime funding from charity Parkinson’s UK.
The role will work across Tayside to improve identification, assessment and support for the mental health needs of people with Parkinson’s and their families.
Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition with more than 40 symptoms, ranging from tremor and pain to anxiety, depression and cognitive change.
While physical symptoms are often well recognised, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, apathy and psychosis can be overlooked, despite affecting nearly half of people with Parkinson’s.
An estimated 450 people with Parkinson’s locally may require mental health input, with around 30% experiencing anxiety and 40% depression.
Melanie brings over 15 years’ experience as a mental health nurse, having worked across both inpatient and community services in NHS Tayside and NHS Fife.
She said" “I’m incredibly proud to be taking on this pioneering role within NHS Tayside.
"Parkinson’s affects the whole person, not just physical movement, and mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression can be just as disabling.
"My aim is to ensure people and their families feel listened to, supported and cared for both emotionally and physically, and that mental health is recognised as a core part of Parkinson’s care.”
The new post will work closely with neurologists, Parkinson’s specialist nurses, psychologists and wider multidisciplinary teams, while strengthening links with community and third sector support.
The additional capacity will also support earlier access to advanced Parkinson’s treatments and help reduce pressure on overstretched mental health services.