Support

For help and support you can contact anyone in the list below

1. Lorraine Bilton: Local Advisor Tel 0344 225 9828 or email adviser5.southwest@parkinsons.org.uk
2. Liza Villanueva & Hazel Coleman :West Dorset Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialists Tel. 01305 254789
3. Local carers group - contact is (vacant)
4. Parkinson's UK National Helpline CALL FREE on 0808 800 0303 or get further information

Parkinson's Nurses

Liza Villanueva  and Hazel Coleman are our lead Parkinson's nurses. They are based in Dorchester Hospital but also run a clinic in Weymouth. Like all Parkinson's nurses they are highly qualified and have a considerable understanding of the available treatments for Parkinson. They aim to fine tune the medicine they prescribe to suit the individual requirements of their clients.

Liza and Hazel work closely with the neurologists in local practice and together both specialist and nurse aim to provide the best treatment available. They cover a large area but plans for them to work together with other Parkinson's nurses in nearby health authorities to provide a more balanced service.

Local Advisor (formerly ISW)

If you have information needs, want help with benefit applications or access to local support your first port of call should be our Local Advisor Lorraine Bilton. Although other agencies, Age Concern, Help and Care, Carer's Caseworkers, CAB and POPPs can offer some help, Local Advisors are used to the vagaries of Parkinson's and may pick up other unmet needs whilst dealing with your initial problem.

Please email Lorraine or phone 0344 225 9828 if you require further information.

Lorraine holds sessions for those of you who are caring for people living with Parkinson's. The session will provide carers an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in a confidential setting, to focus on positive coping strategies and enhance their support network. The meetings are for carers only and are held on the second Friday of the month at 10:30am at The Rembrandt Hotel. For further details contact Jennifer Herridge on 01305 833122. There is also a meeting for ex-carers on Wednesdays at 10am in the M&S cafe.