International Nurses Day: Sussex nurse improves lives of young Parkinson's patients
There's been a dip in calls to nurses since Stevie - who's based in Horsham - started a support group for those diagnosed under 60
We've been hearing about the work of a Sussex nurse to improve the lives of young Parkinson's patients - as International Nurses Day begins.
There's been a drop in calls to our nursing service - after Stevie, who's based in Horsham, started a support group for those diagnosed under 60.
Working as a Parkinson's nurse specialist, she shared that she had dreamed of becoming a nurse since she was a little girl:
“I was always dressing up as a nurse and playing with doctors’ toy kits.
"I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 10 and got my first insight to the NHS. This was one of the reasons why I wanted to help people like me, with certain conditions."
Understanding the unique challenges faced by younger Parkinson's patients, her 'Working Age Group', has had a profound impact on patients, reducing anxiety and improving wellbeing for many participants.
Regular activities through Parkinson's UK have provided a vital sense of community.
As patients feel supported and less isolated, this has led to fewer calls to the nursing service.
For Stevie, the work is very fulfilling.
She said: “I love my job because it allows me to make a real difference, not just physically but mentally.
"Supporting patients throughout their journey and sharing my knowledge is incredibly rewarding.
The comfort we can give people through our empathy, compassion and knowledge, is a feeling you can’t quite describe.”