Congratulations to Rosemary Maguire

Rosemary Maguire has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List for her contribution to Parkinson’s disease services in Cornwall. Rosemary has also been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the PDNSA.

The UK's first Parkinson's Nurse Specialist honoured with MBE

07 January 2009

The UK's first Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist (PDNS) has been honoured for her services to people with Parkinson's with an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Rosemary Maguire, from the Mid-Cornwall branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) was appointed as a PDNS in 1989, and retired in 1999. The role was developed as the result of an independent study of around 100 people with Parkinson's in Cornwall. The study showed a need for people with Parkinson's to have access to a healthcare professional within the community who could help patients manage their condition effectively on a day-to-day basis.

Rosemary Maguire said:

"What's nice about receiving the award now is that it is the 20th anniversary of the Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist role.

"In 1989, knowledge of Parkinson's was poor, even among health care professionals and we worked to set up Parkinson's clinics all over Cornwall to educate people about managing the condition.

"I have received many cards from people I have looked after over the years, as well as from members of the Mid-Cornwall Branch, which is lovely.  It is wonderful to receive an MBE, especially since I feel that I've had a reward already from helping people with Parkinson's and their carers."

Richard Glasspool, Chair of the Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist Association said:

"Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialists around the UK consistently work hard for people with Parkinson's and make such a difference to their lives.

"We hope that this recognition of the difference one nurse can make will encourage the development of more nurse posts in other areas of the country."

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society added:

"Our recent members' survey revealed that a Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist is the number one priority for people with Parkinson's.  Unfortunately, there are still not enough specialist nurses to go around, and we hope Rosemary's MBE will draw attention to the need for more specialist nurses around the UK."