Newcastle University neurologist Professor David Burn has been appointed as Clinical Director of Parkinson's UK, in a bid to drive forward urgent improvements to the standard of care for people with Parkinson's.

Professor Burn will provide clinical leadership for the charity’s new UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network. The network, which launches next year, will bring together health and social care professionals to transform the care that people with Parkinson’s receive. The network will be the one-stop-shop for Parkinson’s education, collaboration, evidence and resources to drive service improvement.

Professor Burn will continue as Professor of Movement Disorder Neurology at Newcastle University and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Steve Ford, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, says: “Although we have made great strides in helping to improve the care and support for people affected by Parkinson’s, there is much still to be done. We know that many people with Parkinson’s simply aren’t able to access the services they need.

“We’re thrilled to have such an eminent neurologist leading our UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network. Professor Burn’s wide-ranging clinical expertise and experience will be vital in helping us to ensure everyone with Parkinson’s gets access to high-quality services that meet their needs throughout their Parkinson’s journey.”

Professor Burn brings extensive clinical experience to the charity. He is currently Director of Newcastle Biomedicine’s Clinical Ageing Research Unit and a Senior NIHR Investigator. He is also an Officer (Treasurer-Elect) of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Professor Burn said: “I’m excited about taking on this new role. The quality of treatment and care Parkinson’s patients currently receive varies greatly across the country. Not everyone with Parkinson’s is cared for by expert Parkinson’s clinicians, many patients are not given the information and support they need to manage the condition and not enough people are being enrolled on clinical trials. I’m looking forward to working with the Parkinson’s community to bring about a real sea change in the delivery of Parkinson’s services.”
 

Press release courtesy of Parkinson's UK

published on: 12 September 2014