Integrated Neurology Nurse Specialists

What are INNS?

The Walton Centre works with partners, patients, carers and the wider NHS as part of a collaboration called the Neuro Network. Through this partnership, we have created a new type of specialist neurology nurse called Integrated Neurology Nurse Specialists (INNS).

Why have these nurses?

Patients with neurology conditions told us they don’t always want to travel to The Walton Centre for specialist treatment if they could get the same care in a local clinic or even in their own home. This service complements the existing services already provided in the community to ensure patients are getting the best possible treatment.

Who is the service for?

These nurses cover the whole of Cheshire and Merseyside and have clinics in many different locations (see the map opposite to find your nearest clinic). Patients must have already been seen by a consultant from The Walton Centre before using the INNS service.

If you have one of the following conditions, you could be eligible for the service:

• Motor Neurone Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
• Epilepsy

What can these nurses do?

INNS can:

• Provide advice and support regarding long term neurological conditions.
• Each INNS nurse has been trained to a master’s level.
• Assess patients and work with them to manage their symptoms
• Arrange home visits for patients physically unable to attend clinic
• Provide education to patients and health care professionals about long term neurological conditions
• Prescribe medication
• Provide a link between community care and specialist care so all services are working together to get the best care for the patient
• Signpost to other services e.g. help patients, carers and families get in touch with their local authority (council) for advice such as housing/benefits advice
• Hold telephone consultations with patients, carers and their families

What INNS do not do:

• INNS will not replace disease specialist nurses at The Walton Centre but complement and enhance that service
• Fill in benefit/ housing forms and applications
• Diagnose patients

 INNS Clinic Map

How do I get referred to the service?

Your GP can help you access the service by using the electronic referral system - email: WCNNreferrals@nhs.net 

Once patients are referred, they are given further information including useful phone numbers.