Parkinson's Disease service
About the Swansea Bay Parkinson's service
The health board's Parkinson's Service is based at the Richard Weiser Parkinson's Centre, Gorseinon Hospital, Swansea. Dr Richard Weiser, a Consultant Neurologist was instrumental in establishing the service at the turn of the century, and the service has been located at the current site since 2004.
The Parkinson's multi-disciplinary team also provides a service to Neath Port Talbot residents through Parkinson's clinics held in Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
The current Parkinson’s team consists of:
- Consultant neurologist
- Speciality doctors
- Specialist nurses
- Neuro physiotherapy
- Occupational therapist
- Speech and language therapist
- Specialist pharmacist
- Service co-ordinator and secretary
What we offer
As a multidisciplinary team we provide dedicated Parkinson’s clinics in Gorseinon and Neath Port Talbot Hospitals to more than1,000 patients. We offer patient advice from specialist nurses, or a dedicated Parkinson's pharmacist, between consultant appointments via the co-ordinator telephone line. The team also provides specialist advice to other health professionals across the Health Board.
The service provides neuro outpatients physiotherapy, aimed at improving gait, balance and movement initiation, symptom management, iImproving activity levels and access to a group class
Occupational Therapy provides practical advice and help to support people to overcome the barriers which prevent them from doing everyday activities that matter most to them. This support aims to increase people's satisfaction and independence in aspects of life including self-care (e.g. washing, dressing, meal preparation), productivity (work and caring responsibilities) and leisure (social contact, hobbies and interests).
The team's speech and language therapist provides assessment and advice on all aspects of communication, from the clarity and volume of speech, to facial expression, body language and communication aids. This includes improvement of projection and pitch range of voice, as well as teaching other strategies to support effective communication. These techniques can be practiced in both group and individual therapy, with the aim of helping people iwht Parkinson's apply them to everyday life. Also, assessment and management of any swallowing difficulties is offered, to support safe and efficient swallowing, eating, and drinking.
The centre is also used for teaching sessions for those with Parkinson's disease, families and carers.
The service is continuously evaluated to ensure high standards of care are maintained which is supported by the Parkinson’s UK audits that occur every three years. The unit works closely with the charity Parkinson’s UK and the local support groups who remain committed to their cause and have given tremendous support over the years.
Accessing our service
If you suspect you may have Parkinson’s disease symptoms please contact your GP first. We cannot accept referrals unless they are from a health professional.
If you are a current patient and require help or support please contact the Parkinson’s Centre at Gorseinon on 01792 704154 where you can speak to the service co-ordinator or leave a message if no one is available and someone will get back to you.
Helpful information from external websites
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.