THE Parkinson’s UK charity said a new specialist nurse will make a ‘huge difference’ to patients.

East Lancashire is currently one just 12 NHS areas not to benefit from a specialist nurse, but health chiefs are now set to team up with the charity to provide one.

Parkinson’s UK has offered nearly £100,000 to fund the position for two years, with the understanding that East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG] will take over funding from 2015/16.

The nurse will run clinics at health centres across Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Rossendale and Pendle, offering home visits for patients with more severe problems, as well as providing support and advice to hospital-based nurses.

Parkinson’s UK Service Development Officer for the North West, Katherine French, said: “After a lengthy campaign, we’re thrilled to hear that a Parkinson’s nurse is going to be put in place.”