THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY, 2026

Photograph attached: L-R – Parkinson’s nurse specialist Melanie McGill, patient Clare Murray and Parkinson’s nurse specialist Emily Tenbruck

First patient in Tayside to receive life-changing Parkinson’s drug

A Dundee woman has become the first person in Tayside to be given a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease which aims to alleviate symptoms for longer periods of time.

Forty three-year-old Clare Murray from Broughty Ferry is receiving the new medication, which is delivered through a syringe connected to a small pump. This means Clare gets a steady dose of Parkinson’s medication 24-hours-a-day to help manage her symptoms, day and night. 

Despite only taking the drug for a short time, Clare has already noticed the benefits. She said, “This medication is a game changer, it’s helping me to be consistently at my best.

“Before, I would take my oral medication 7-8 times a day, and it could take up to half an hour to kick in. I would have to wait for it to start working before getting dressed or even sending an email at work. Now, I have a full day to do things instead of relying on small windows of time.

“When I first got fitted with the pump I spent the day playing music. I play the saxophone, recorder and piano and it was the first thing I did. It truly is life changing.”

Parkinson’s nurse specialist Emily Tenbruck said, “Instead of being taken orally, this approach avoids the peaks and troughs typically associated with tablets. People with Parkinson’s often need to take medication several times a day because it works for a period of time and then wears off. The pump helps the medication to bypass the gastrointestinal tract, which can provide a faster, more consistent effect.

“This drug will help patients get their independence back. The pump has three different settings allowing them to control how much of the medication they take. There is also 24-hour support available, so they can reach out if they have any problems.”

Consultant neurologist Dr Esther Sammler said, “I am delighted that we are now able to offer this treatment as part of routine NHS care in Tayside. For carefully selected patients, this continuous delivery of medication can make a real difference in managing motor fluctuations and improve quality of life.”

Clare added, “I want to thank Dr Sammler and everyone in her team who has helped to bring this drug to Tayside. Hopefully many more people will benefit from it.”

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720