World Parkinson’s Day takes place on 11 April, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and its impact on individuals, families and communities across Lanarkshire.
The day brings together healthcare services, partner organisations and local communities to improve understanding of the condition and highlight the importance of ongoing care and support.
Across Lanarkshire all three of our acute sites will be illuminated blue to mark the day and show support for Parkinson’s. These visible displays help to raise awareness, encourage conversations and demonstrate solidarity with those affected.
Parkinson’s Disease Specialist Nurse, Leigh Nicholson said: “This World Parkinson’s Day, we stand with everyone affected by Parkinson’s. While symptoms may not always be visible, the impact is real. Taking time to understand and support one another can make a meaningful difference.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain, leading to a range of symptoms including tremor, stiffness and slowed movement. As symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, raising awareness locally is key to ensuring people feel understood and supported within their communities.
Within NHS Lanarkshire, World Parkinson’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the work of local teams who support people living with Parkinson’s, as well as the role of families, carers and community services. It also highlights the importance of early diagnosis, access to appropriate services and person-centred care to support individuals to live well with the condition.
NHS Lanarkshire are encouraging staff and local communities to take part by raising awareness, by sharing information and supporting those living with Parkinson’s. By improving understanding and challenging misconceptions, we can help reduce stigma and ensure people feel recognised, supported and included.
With around 153,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s, awareness initiatives such as World Parkinson’s Day play an important role in strengthening local support networks and reinforcing the need for continued research and high-quality care.
