MONDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2025

Photo attached: NHS Tayside’s first Parkinson’s nurse with a special interest in mental health Melanie McGill

NHS Tayside welcomes UK’s first Parkinson’s nurse specialising in mental health

NHS Tayside has welcomed the appointment of the UK’s first Parkinson’s nurse with a special interest in mental health, marking a significant step forward in care for people living with Parkinson’s across Tayside.

The new post, held by Melanie McGill, is based within the Neurology Team at Ninewells Hospital and has been made possible through two years of pump-prime funding from charity Parkinson’s UK. The role will work across Tayside to improve identification, assessment and support for the mental health needs of people with Parkinson’s and their families.

Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition with more than 40 symptoms, ranging from tremor and pain to anxiety, depression and cognitive change. While physical symptoms are often well recognised, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, apathy and psychosis can be overlooked, despite affecting nearly half of people with Parkinson’s.

An estimated 450 people with Parkinson’s locally may require mental health input, with around 30% experiencing anxiety and 40% depression.

Melanie brings over 15 years’ experience as a mental health nurse, having worked across both inpatient and community services in NHS Tayside and NHS Fife. Her background in advanced mental health practice positions her uniquely to bridge the gap between neurological and mental health care, embedding emotional and psychological support within Parkinson’s services.

NHS Tayside’s Parkinson’s specialist nurse Melanie McGill said, “I’m incredibly proud to be taking on this pioneering role within NHS Tayside. Parkinson’s affects the whole person, not just physical movement, and mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression can be just as disabling. My aim is to ensure people and their families feel listened to, supported and cared for both emotionally and physically, and that mental health is recognised as a core part of Parkinson’s care.”

The new post will work closely with neurologists, Parkinson’s specialist nurses, psychologists and wider multidisciplinary teams, while strengthening links with community and third sector support. The additional capacity will also support earlier access to advanced Parkinson’s treatments and help reduce pressure on mental health services.

NHS Tayside’s Consultant Neurologist Dr Graeme Mackenzie said, “We are delighted to welcome Melanie as NHS Tayside’s new Parkinson’s nurse.

“This innovative role represents a major step towards more integrated, person-centred care for people with Parkinson’s and their families.

“It addresses both physical and mental health needs and will improve outcomes across Tayside while also expanding our capacity to deliver advanced therapies.”

James Jopling, Scotland Director for Parkinson’s UK, said, “We’re really excited to be working with NHS Tayside and funding the first ever Parkinson’s nurse with a special interest in mental health in the UK.

“It’s common for people with Parkinson’s to experience mental health issues including apathy, anxiety and depression, but these symptoms can often be overlooked. There’s also a higher risk of developing dementia when you have Parkinson’s.

“It’s so important that all these issues are picked up early and that people are given the support they need. That’s why we believe this new role will make a meaningful difference. We’re also delighted that another Parkinson’s specialist nurse has joined the team at NHS Tayside, improving access to vital care and support. The fact that the extra capacity will also allow advanced treatments to become available more quickly is also great news.”

Notes to editors:

Parkinson’s

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes, and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s and mental health

People with Parkinson’s can experience a range of mental health issues alongside their physical symptoms. These can range from depression and anxiety to hallucinations, memory problems and dementia. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health symptoms that affect people with Parkinson’s. Nearly half of all people with Parkinson's have experienced one of these issues.

Specialist workforce

Parkinson’s UK is working to increase the number of nurses and other professionals, like physiotherapists. Parkinson’s nurses are a lifeline for the 166,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK. But currently more than 30,000 people with the condition have little or no access to a Parkinson’s nurse. In Scotland alone we estimate there are around 14,000 living with the condition right now.

Contact:

Abigail Reid

NHS Tayside Communications

01382 740716