By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 03 May 2012

HEALTH chiefs have moved to reassure people living with Parkinsons disease that they will not suffer a loss of service in the Copeland area.

The West Cumbria branch of Parkinsons UK has voiced its concerns after Georgie Berry, a nurse specialising in Parkinsons care in the area, left her post for a new role last month.

Members say they have been left in limbo in the light of Ms Berrys departure, and are seeking clarification about the future provision of services.

However, a spokeswoman for the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust says measures are in place to ensure that patients will continue to receive to same level of care.

John Kane, chairman of the West Cumbria branch of Parkinsons UK, said: There were four Parkinsons nurses in Cumbria, and Georgie covered Copeland and Aller-dale.

Georgie was dedicated in her role and was a lifeline for people with Parkinsons disease. She could alter peoples medication to what best suited their symptoms, which is crucial as there are more than 20 different types of medication to help deal with this awful condition.

We still have a support officer, but he is there to offer practical and emotional support, but is not able to deal with the medical side of things.

Parkinsons is on the increase we have over 300 members in our branch and there is a lot of concern about the gap in services that now exists.

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Concerns as nurse leaves