"The matron has been a massive help"

After who I care for (J) had been diagnosed with PSP in January this year, the Parkinson's nurse asked out GP to refer her to our Community Matron. This duly happened and Matron KD began her visits to us at home.

- It was immediately cleat to us the her contribution is qualitatively different and better than anything else we had experienced in the plethora of health service contacts leading to the patients diagnosis.

- here is someone who is interested in the whole person - how J experiences her illness, and how she is coping with it from a physical and emotional point of view.

- Here is someone with whom both J and her husband can honestly share their experiences, grief, and problems, knowing that they will be sympathetically listened to, understood, and acted on. It is as if 'she is on our side'.

- KD assisted us by helping us to identify our wishes for the future and write a 'Respect' form.

- KD ensures we have all the equipment we need to care for J. She liaises with other agencies to coordinate provision.

- KD sorts out 'hic-ups' in the different health services we are linked to. Using her computer and phones she immediately sorts things out, resolving anomalies and clarifying priorities. She follows things up and 'progress chases'

- When the patients condition recently deteriorated, she was with us within a couple of hours and assessed the situation both medically and socially. She liaised with our GP and was then able to contact the palliative care consultant and arrange and admission for assessment.

- KD's regular visits are very much appreciated. Her interest in us both medically and socially is very reassuring, as is her work in regularly checking J's condition through basic medical monitoring. We most value that she has enough clout to get things done, and yet is focused on out experiences and needs.