Suche
Mein Konto
New network in Göttingen: Better help for Parkinson's patients!
The ParkCare network is starting in Göttingen to improve Parkinson's care in southern Lower Saxony. Goal: increase quality of life.
New network in Göttingen: Better help for Parkinson's patients!
In Göttingen, the ParkCareNetz has officially started its work to improve the care of Parkinson's patients in the health region of southern Lower Saxony. As the HNA reports, the project is supported with state funds and aims to provide information quickly and easily to those affected and their relatives. But that's not all: the initiative also wants to optimize communication between doctors and therapists in order to make the treatment and support of those suffering from this insidious disease more efficient.
Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Germany, with an affected rate of around 0.6% of the population in 2023. The prevalence of this disease is particularly higher in several districts in southern Lower Saxony. With the ParkCareNetz, the regions of Göttingen, Goslar, Hildesheim, Holzminden and Northeim have the opportunity to specifically meet the needs of local patients.
A strong network
The ParkCareNetz is a direct result of the “ParkNetz” study, which is being carried out at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK) in Hildesheim and the Göttingen University Medical Center. This study, which will last until August 2026, analyzes the specific needs of those affected and thus forms the basis for building an effective regional network. “We want to increase the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their relatives through improved communication and cooperation in the healthcare system,” say those responsible at HAWK.
In addition to the Lower Saxony health region, which includes 30 health regions and involves 37 municipalities, the ParkCareNetz will not remain the only new project. From 2026, additional initiatives for dementia care and psychological first aid will go on the offensive, supported by the state, health insurance companies and federal funds.
An open ear for patients and relatives
The aim of the ParkCareNetz is to compile useful information about the detection, treatment and care of Parkinson's disease. The offer is aimed not only at patients, but also at treating doctors and therapists. In this way, all players in health care should be better linked to one another in order to sustainably improve the treatment results for those affected.
Thanks to the support of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation's zukunft.niedersachsen program, the project will be funded for a total of three years. In combination with a clear focus on interprofessional collaboration, the ParkCareNetz represents a promising model for meeting the challenges of Parkinson's care in southern Lower Saxony.