Members of Parkinson’s UK West Herts branch were told of moves to replace specialist Parkinson’s nurses with general nurses.

Branch chairman Sally Pollitt told the group's annual branch meeting that the provision of specialist nurses was one of the most important support services for people with Parkinson’s.

The branch, which welcomes people from Borehamwood, met at the Stanborough Centre, Watford, last week.

Parkinson’s nurses can intervene in order to oversee changes in medication or provide a pathway to other services. She said numerous studies have shown this to be cost-effective, as it reduces the number of unplanned hospital visits.

Currently, Hertfordshire has only 1.5 specialist Parkinson’s nurses in post. NHS and NIHCE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines state there should be five.

The branch will continue to campaign against the replacement of Parkinson’s nurses with general nurses, the meeting was told.

Branch president Dr Prasad Korlipara, a consultant neurologist who has a surgery at Watford Hospital, praised the range of activities provided by the branch for people with Parkinson’s and their carers. These include support groups, specialist exercise classes, dancing, singing and other therapies.