PARKINSON S Disease campaigners have expressed their disappointment at their failure to find a specialist nurse. The West Herts branch of the Parkinson s Disease Society has been pushing for the employment of a new nurse for more than a decade and about

PARKINSON'S Disease campaigners have expressed their disappointment at their failure to find a specialist nurse.

The West Herts branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society has been pushing for the employment of a new nurse for more than a decade and about a year ago the request was finally approved by the West Herts Primary Care Trust (PCT).

But despite advertising for the position three times, the local branch - whose members have agreed to fund the specialist post for the first two years at a cost of around �80,000 - still hasn't found anyone suitable.

Chairman of the branch Mike Weaver said that he was disheartened by the project's lack of progress but added: "I aim to be optimistic. We'll get someone for the post eventually. It's just a shame that it's taking so long when there are people in need."

The specialist nurse would provide emotional support for newly-diagnosed Parkinson's Disease patients, work in West Herts hospitals to keep staff informed about the disease and care for patients in their homes.

The third attempt to recruit brought a response from two potential candidates but both were unable to make the interviews due the recent snow. Mr Weaver said that he hoped to rearrange the interviews soon.