TRIBUTES have been paid to the first specialist Parkinson's nurse in the UK.

TRIBUTES have been paid to the first specialist Parkinson's nurse in the UK.

Rosemary Maguire, MBE, who has died, has been described by her daughter Claire Treloar as a role model who thrived on helping others.

Mrs Maguire was 76 and born and raised in Camborne before living in Canonstown, near Hayle.

She was well-known by people around the county for her work with the National Health Service.

In 1987 she was asked to carry out a survey of Parkinson's patients attending what was then Barncoose Hospital in Redruth.

Her report revealed large gaps in knowledge as well as detailing the various difficulties faced by people living with the condition and their carers.

She was then taken on by the NHS to plug the gap as the UK's first specialist Parkinson's nurse, leading to almost 350 posts being established in Britain.

Her role was to provide a link between people with Parkinson's, their carers, and other health professionals who were often unaware of their patients' special needs.

During her career Mrs Maguire also fulfilled other roles around the country.

Mrs Treloar said: "She loved the NHS and was very dedicated and would often be on the phone in the evening helping people.

"She always had time for everybody and ran Saturday clubs and organised trips for people in the hospital.

"Working as a nurse was a wonderful time of her life and she thrived on helping others.

"She was a great role model and I have always tried to be like her.

"Her passing is a great loss but it's nice to know she made a difference in so many people's lives."

Steve Ford, chief executive at Parkinson's UK said: "Rosemary's role as the UK's first specialist Parkinson's nurse fundamentally changed the landscape of Parkinson's care.

"Rosemary's initial research and vision led to Parkinson's UK's ongoing work campaigning for and funding Parkinson's nurses across the UK.

"Now almost 350 similar posts are established here alone, with many more in other countries, providing vital support to people with Parkinson's.

Rosemary's legacy is an ongoing inspiration for Parkinson's UK to work alongside health and social care professionals to continue to improve services for each and every person living with Parkinson's."

Mrs Maguire retired from nursing in 1999 and was appointed an MBE in 2009 in recognition of her services.

Her funeral at Ludgvan Parish Church was packed with family, friends, patients, carers and NHS work colleagues.

She also leaves her husband Mike, and grandson Logan.

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