Since opening in 2015 at Redcar Primary Care Hospital, the service has grown into an award-winning, highly regarded model of care, helping around 3,000 patients navigate the most complex stages of their condition.
From the very beginning, PASU was created with a clear ambition: to provide rapid access, specialist support for people with advanced Parkinson’s who are at high risk of hospital admission or nursing care.
Ten years on, that ambition continues to drive everything the service does.
Sue Palfreeman, Parkinson’s specialist nurse said: “Over the last decade, PASU has brought together a truly multidisciplinary team, enabling patients to be seen by consultants, Parkinson’s nurses, a consultant pharmacist, highly specialist occupational therapists and physiotherapists, a physiotherapy assistant and a community mental health nurse.
“This joined-up approach ensures both physical and mental health needs are addressed in a timely, coordinated way.”
At the forefront of innovation in Parkinson’s care
Thanks to PASU, patients with complex cognitive symptoms, including visual hallucinations and paranoia, are now able to access specialist treatments such as clozapine.
Care is delivered flexibly, with patients seen either in clinic or in their own homes, supported by personalised action plans designed to improve symptoms and reduce carer strain.
PASU also focuses on preventing crisis by targeting key drivers of emergency admissions, such as falls, declining mobility, dementia and hallucinations, and carrying out comprehensive medication reviews at every visit.
The team has helped reduce hospital admissions and shorten lengths.
Going from strength the strength
Recent years have seen further growth, including the launch of the Parkinson’s Outreach Advanced Community Therapy team (PROACT), which is supported by a two-year Parkinson’s UK Pump-priming grant. This development has enabled even more care to be delivered in patients’ homes, strengthening support for both patients and carers.
The unit’s impact has also been recognised nationally, including winning the Big Ideas for Better Health Award, and it continues to function as a centre of excellence, offering training to health professionals across the region.
Reflecting over the last ten years, Sue added: “Being part of the Parkinson’s Advanced Symptoms Unit over the last 10 years has been incredibly special. I’m so proud of our team and the difference we’ve made by working together to support patients and families at some of the most challenging times in their lives.
“This milestone is a real testament to that dedication and teamwork. Every day we see the impact that our specialist, personalised care can have for people living with Parkinson’s so reaching 10 years as a service is something we should all be incredibly proud of.”
As PASU looks to the future, one thing is clear, the same dedication to innovation, compassion and patient-centred care that shaped the last decade will continue to transform lives for many years to come.