In this article Kay Mair, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist for NHS Forth Valley, shares her experience of attending a special event to celebrate the role of Parkinson’s nurses.
I was recently honoured to attend a special event in London, where I was invited as the longest serving Scottish Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist, alongside my colleague Liz Craig, who is the second longest serving nurse. It was a privilege to be one of only three nurses chosen to represent Scotland at this prestigious occasion.
In 1996, just after starting in my role, I became a founding member of the Association of Scottish Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists (ASPNS), and this milestone event felt like a personal reflection of the journey that I and my colleagues have been part of over the years.
The event took place at the head office of Parkinson’s UK in London, where we were given an insightful tour of the office and had the opportunity to meet some key figures within the organisation, including Caroline Rassell, CEO of Parkinson’s UK, and Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Trustees. The event was very well organised, with a lovely lunch where we had the chance to mingle with 27 other nurses who had been invited. These nurses, who represented various regions across the UK, were all long serving professionals involved in education, service development, and research within the Parkinson’s community.
One of the highlights of the event was our visit to St James’ Palace, where we were graciously hosted for two hours. The afternoon tea served was exquisite, and we were treated to a brief but heartfelt speech by the Duchess of Gloucester, the Patron of Parkinson’s UK. The Duchess took time to speak with each nurse present, asking thoughtful and relevant questions that showed she clearly values the work we do. Her staff later mentioned that she had thoroughly enjoyed meeting us.
The event also marked a significant moment for our profession as this year is the 35th anniversary of the appointment of Rosemary McGuire, the first Parkinson’s Nurse in the UK. I had the privilege of attending a training course run by Rosemary and her colleague Consultant Doug MacMahon shortly after I began my role. Their pioneering work laid the foundation for the support and care we provide to patients living with Parkinson’s today.
Attending this event reminded me of the long-standing dedication within the Parkinson’s nursing community, and I am proud to have been a part of this journey for so many years. It was a day I will cherish forever.
