Parkinson's can render patients immobile

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, is the only hospital in the region which offers the facility for people with the illness.

Rosemary Jones from Old Colwyn, diagnosed with the illness 14 years ago, said the appointment of Sally Roberts had turned her life around.

"It's wonderful - we've fought for it for a long time and the quality of our life has improved enormously," she said.

"She's at the end of the telephone and it might just be something small but she's there.

It is likely that the cost-savings presented here are underestimated Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust

"She understands Parkinson's and knows all about Parkinson's."

The 60-year-old, who is cared for by her husband Owen, said the disease could take a hold on a person's life.

"It affects every aspect of my life. I need help with dressing in the morning and I have a very complex medical regime."

"When I was first diagnosed there was no information. The appointment of Sally is the icing on the cake."

Parkinson's disease nurse specialists work from hospitals and within the community to assist those living with the illness.

The nurse is able to liaise with doctors and other health care specialists to identify appropriate care services.

Glan Clwyd Hospital appointed a specialist nurse

A spokesperson for Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust admitted that the new nurse could save over �100,000 of consultant clinical time.

However, they added that extra costs arising from education and health promotion were not included.

"It is likely that the cost-savings presented here are underestimated," the spokesperson said.

Last year members of a Parkinson's disease self-help group in Wrexham offered to pay for specialist nurses to be employed at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

However, the North East Wales NHS Trust had stated that funding training for a specialist nurse would not guarantee a new position.

The hospital would still have the employment costs which would amount to around �30,000.

Mrs Jones said she felt sorry for patients not able to access specialist care.

"My heart goes out to them because I know what they're going through," she said.

Mr Jones, 58, added: "Without the access to a specialist nurse it must be very difficult for patients and carers.

"To have someone at the end of the phone with a possible answer to a problem is a godsend.

"It's made our life far easier."