University of Nottingham researchers have been given a top rating by the world's largest organisation for patients with Parkinson's disease. The US-based National Parkinson Foundation (NPF), has awarded 'Centre of Excellence' status to a team from The University of Nottingham and Derby Hospitals NHS Trust. It is one of only two teams in the UK to receive such an accolade.
(Media-Newswire.com) - University of Nottingham researchers have been given a top rating by the world's largest organisation for patients with Parkinson's disease.
The US-based National Parkinson Foundation ( NPF ), has awarded 'Centre of Excellence' status to a team from The University of Nottingham and Derby Hospitals NHS Trust. It is one of only two teams in the UK to receive such an accolade.
The NPF confers this status only on Parkinson's disease units that are delivering the very best standards of care worldwide. The accolade raises the profile of their research and treatment and should help to open up new funding streams to further develop the work of the academics and clinicians involved.
In a collaborative effort made up of a consortium of Parkinson's disease researchers from The University of Nottingham, together with the Parkinson's disease clinical service at Derby Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Nin Bajaj led the bid to become a recognised UK hub for Parkinson research, care and education.
Dr Nin Bajaj, Programme Director in Neurology at The University of Nottingham, said: “We are delighted with the accreditation of Centre of Excellence Status in Parkinson's disease at international level.
“This award acknowledges both the research strengths and clinical expertise of our dedicated team of Parkinson's disease clinicians and researchers working on both Derby and Nottingham campuses. We will continue working to consolidate on our current achievements to further the care we can give to our Parkinson's disease patients.”
An NPF Centre of Excellence provides sufferers of Parkinson's disease, carers and families the most up-to-date research, specialised services, support, information and referral services for Parkinson's disease. As such, the NPF regards Centres of Excellence as defining the “gold standard” in Parkinson-related research.
Dr Bajaj is also consultant neurologist at Nottingham University Hospitals, and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Derby NHS Foundation Trust.
All of the members of the consortium who took part in the bid to the NPF are members of The University of Nottingham's Institute of Neuroscience. They are: Stephen Jackson, Co-Director of the Institute and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, John Mayer, Professor of Biochemistry, Jim Lowe, Professor of Neuropathology, Dorothee Auer, Professor of Neuroradiology, and Surajit Basu, Consultant Neurosurgeon.
Joyce Oberdorf, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NPF said: “We are justly proud of our designated centres, which span the world. We look forward to working with Dr Bajaj in the fulfilment of our common mission to find the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease and to help those affected by the disease every day of their lives.”
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological condition that affects around 120,000 people in the UK. It is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The nerve cells are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine which helps to transmit messages from the brain that control, and co-ordinate, body movements.
If the nerve cells in the brain become damaged, or die, the amount of dopamine is reduced and the messages to the body become slow and abnormal. When 80 per cent of the nerve cells have been lost, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to appear.
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Notes to editors:
The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. ( NPF ) was established in 1957 and is dedicated to supporting research and providing education, services, support and outreach to the Parkinson community.
With a national and international presence, NPF is the largest organisation in the world that serves people with Parkinson's disease and their families. NPF has a strong relationship with scientists who conduct research and with practitioners who offer services, support, and outreach through the NPF Centres of Excellence.
The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 70 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong ( SJTU ) and Times Higher ( THE ) World University Rankings.
It provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain's "only truly global university", it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in both 2006 ( International Trade ) and 2007 ( Innovation — School of Pharmacy ).
Its students are much in demand from 'blue-chip' employers. Winners of Students in Free Enterprise for four years in succession, and current holder of UK Graduate of the Year, they are accomplished artists, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and fundraisers. Nottingham graduates consistently excel in business, the media, the arts and sport. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree completion rates are amongst the highest in the United Kingdom.
More information is available from Dr Nin Bajaj, Director, Movement Disorder Unit, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation and University of Nottingham, on +44 ( 0 )115 9709142, nin.bajaj@mail.qmcuh-tr.trent.nhs.uk; or Tim Utton, Deputy Director, Communications, University of Nottingham on +44 ( 0 )115 846 8092, tim.utton@nottingham.ac.uk
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