For World Parkinson’s Day on Thursday 11 April, East Surrey Hospital in Redhill will be lighting up blue to show support for people living with Parkinson's.
East Surrey Hospital, part of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, will be illuminating its boiler house and chimney a special hue of blue and will be one of hundreds of locations in the UK turning blue to show solidarity with the community. Each year, the awareness day celebrates the global Parkinson’s community and shines a light on the condition.
Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. In the UK alone, over 153,000 people are living with the condition for which there is currently no cure. To mark World Parkinson’s Day this year, Parkinson’s UK is encouraging everyone to show their support and Make It Blue, from lighting up buildings to hosting blue bake sales to wearing blue for a day.
SASH is determined to play a leading role in raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease, how it affects people living with the condition and how healthcare professionals can provide them with the best care and support.
SASH is also using the day to promote the importance of patients getting their medication on time, which is crucial to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. If doses are missed, it can increase the motor and non-motor symptoms of a patient.
Clare Addison, Adult Safeguarding Lead Nurse at the Trust who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, said: “We are committed to supporting the needs of people in our community living with Parkinson’s and their carers, especially when they require hospital care. By promoting and educating staff on Time Critical Medication, we are playing a vital part in supporting our patients with Parkinson’s – including offering them opportunity, if appropriate, to self-administer these medicines.”
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Everyday people are impacted by the reality of Parkinson’s, but on 11 April we will celebrate our brilliant community when we come together and make it blue.
“However you mark World Parkinson’s Day, you’ll be part of an unstoppable movement. Raising awareness of living with Parkinson's. Helping us to fund more groundbreaking research and life-changing care. Being there for one another. There are so many ways to show your support and get involved. The Parkinson’s UK website has all the resources and ideas to make this World Parkinson’s Day the best yet. Visit parkinsons.org.uk/make-it-blue to find out more.”