Service Overview

The Parkinson’s disease Service at Sunderland hospital runs both consultant and nurse-led clinics. In these clinics, patients with Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonism and other movement disorders will be reviewed and assessed.  Options will be provided to help assist with individual care needs. They will provide advice and support to help manage symptoms.  The Specialist Nurses and Consultant Neurologists work closely together and they will tailor a treatment plan with a patient centred approach. The team works very closely with the PD COTE service across Sunderland and South Tyneside hospitals.

Consultant Neurologists

Dr Nath and Dr Cassidy each undertake a weekly specialist Movement Disorder clinic. Patients are also seen in their general service. 

Parkinson’s disease Specialist Nurse Service 

The PD Specialist Nurses Sr Lisa Renton and Sr Victoria Rumis play a vital role in the care and treatment of Parkinson’s patients. They are fully trained in Parkinson’s disease and management of its symptoms as wll as support at diagnosis. Their working hours are Monday to Friday 8.30 – 16.30.   

They can be contacted on the answer phone service which is an accessible and efficient way for patients to get advice.  Please note that this is not an urgent advice line and it may be up to 72 hours before calls are return due to clinical commitments.  If a call is urgent patients are advised to contact the GP or 111. If it is not urgent the Nurse will contact the patient in due course. The secretarial team can also be contacted to triage patient calls.  If we feel an urgent assessment from the PD team is required an appointment will be provided. 

The PD nurse provides regular review clinics per week as well as the answerphone service and the newly diagnosed service. The PD nurse also provides support for inpatients admitted with Parkinson’s disease or related disorders. Patients will need to have been reviewed by a Consultant Neurology or a registrar before being referred to the PD nurse. 

Apomorphine challenge

We currently offer Nurse led apomorphine challenge as a day case to see if certain patients are suitable for this advanced therapy. Patients will be assessed and if they are eligible for treatment will be referred for a day case challenge. This will be based on NICE guidance. If the challenge is successful with a positive clinical response the drug will be prescribed regularly in consultation with the GP.   

Botulinum toxin injections

Patients are assessed and referred for Botulinum toxin injections for hypersalivation to the regional Botulinum toxin service or other available local services. 

Other advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease such as Deep Brain stimulation surgery or Duodopa (intrajejunal therapy) can be provided via consultatation with the Regional Movement Disorders service led by Dr Naomi Warren, Dr David Ledingham and Professor Nicola Pavese.

The Sunderland PD Neurology Team

Dr Uma Nath                 Consultant Neurologist and Movement disorders specialist
Dr Adam Cassidy           Consultant Neurologist and Movement Disorders specialist
Lisa Renton                    PD specialist nurse
Victoria Rumis                PD specialist nurse
Suzanne Cook               Medical Secretary Neurology 
Karen Thornton             PD secretary

What support you will receive at Sunderland

  • After being referred to the Parkinson’s disease service you will be given an appointment with the Consultant Neurologist 
  • At this review a full history and examination will be taken and you will be given a diagnosis and treatment plan based on your individual needs with your agreement.  
  • You will receive expert care provided by the PD nurse team who will play a key role in coordinating your care needs.  
  • You will be provided either face to face clinic assessment or telephone reviews at intervals specific to your needs. 
  • The Consultant and The Specialist Nurse will provide review clinics for medication and symptom advice and the nurses also provide clinics for newly diagnosed patients.  
  • We can liaise with other members of the Multidisciplinary team when needed such as the Physiotherapist, Speech and Language therapist, Occupational therapist and if needed, palliative care and mental health services.
  • We work closely with STSFT pharmacists Sharlene Hindmarsh and Paul Tasker who play a key role in support inpatient services for patients with PD and also provide support in OPD clinics.
  • There is a PD nurse helpline available during working hours for patients and carers to leave messages if they have concerns, so they can access specialist nurse support between clinic appointments if needed. 
  • There is an active research team with a DENDRON coordinator who helps eligible patients access and take part in research both locally and across the region.

​​​​​Contact Details:         Via the hospital switch board on 0191 565 6256. 

Sr Lisa Renton, Sr Victoria Rumis
PD Specialist Nurses
Extension ​49854 Bleep ​52003 and 52387

Karen Thornton
PD Nurse Secretary
Extension ​47162 (working hours ​Mon-Fri 9.30am to 1:30pm)

Dr Uma Nath
Consultant Neurologist
​07825593295

Suzanne Cook
Medical Secretary
Extension ​41240 (working hours Mon-Fri 08:30am - 4:00pm)

​Dr Adam Cassidy
Consultant Neurologist
Bleep 52543

Susan Berry
Medical Secretary
Extension 42778 (working hours Mon - Fri 08:30am - 4.30pm)

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