The Isle of Man Parkinson’s team has been highly commended for its work at the UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network Awards held in Manchester.

The national awards identify and celebrate exceptional services making a difference to people in the UK affected by Parkinson’s.

There are believed to be 228 people in the island living with Parkinson’s, who are supported by the core medical team, both at Noble’s and in the wider community, of consultant Dr John Thomas, specialist nurse Susan Lawley, physiotherapist Graihagh Betteridge and occupational therapist Clare Collister.

The team explained that people affected by Parkinson’s had played a large role in shaping the team’s priorities and the service.

Following suggestions from clients the team offers weekly exercise classes, produces information packs for newly diagnosed patients and holds informal ’tea with the team’ meetings.

These meetings provide a chance for people affected by Parkinson’s, including friends and family, to meet and chat as well as discuss health and care services with the team and Parkinson’s UK local advisers.

Clinical director of the Excellence Network, Dr Donald Grosset said: ’These awards highlight and celebrate the achievements of services delivering innovative and remarkable care and support to people affected by Parkinson’s across the UK.

’The professionals behind this service are successfully reducing the length and number of hospital admissions - one way we could see that a truly outstanding service has been created for those affected by Parkinson’s in the Isle of Man.

’This year the quality of entries was exceptional, and I would like to congratulate the Isle of Man Parkinson’s team on its well-deserved success, outstanding client feedback and being at the forefront of exceptional Parkinson’s care.’