CAMPAIGNERS pushing for better Parkinson's care in the Borders are hosting a meeting later this month.

And the organisers are inviting anyone in the region affected by the degenerative neurological condition.

NHS Borders currently employs a single part-time nurse to provide care for the 340 Borderers suffering from Parkinson's.

As part of an ongoing review into neurological services, NHS Borders has approached Parkinson's UK for feedback on views of the care provided.

Mary Ellmers from Parkinson’s UK Scotland told us: “We’d like to hear from anyone using Parkinson’s services in the Borders and want as many people as possible to come along to the meeting.

“Parkinson’s UK Scotland is concerned that Parkinson’s services in NHS Borders are now overstretched.

"The most striking example of this is that there is only one part-time Parkinson’s nurse to meet the vital healthcare needs of about 340 local people with Parkinson’s.

"This is more than double the number of people as when the nurse came into post 10 years ago. Despite this increase in numbers, there's been no corresponding increase in hours."

Every week 30 people in Scotland are told they have Parkinson's.

And the incurable condition now affects more than 12,000 people across the country.

Ms Ellmers added: “Across the Borders and throughout Scotland, the number of people with Parkinson's is expected to grow by about a fifth in the coming decade and we worry that there’s going to be even more pressure on services unless more resources are allocated.

“It’s vital that the views of local people inform the service review - the charity and NHS Borders want to know and hear your thoughts and experiences. Everyone will be welcome but if you can’t come along on the day then we still want to hear from you.

"The easiest ways to do this are by phone or email so please get in touch.”

The meeting takes place between 2pm and 4pm on Monday, July 29 at the Chaplaincy Centre, Borders General Hospital, Melrose.

To find out more about the meeting or to submit your views contact Alice Hall at Parkinson’s UK Scotland at ahall@parkinsons.org.uk or on 0344 225 3725.