Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass 48 project winners and the Heisters Award
Event reportsModule 2 of Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass 48 took place in November in Sheffield, bringing together clinicians from across the UK to share and showcase their local improvement work. Each delegate submitted a poster outlining a service development or quality improvement project, all of which were displayed throughout the two-day course to encourage conversation, reflection on challenges, and the exchange of practical solutions that can strengthen Parkinson’s services.
This year, 28 projects were submitted, with themes spanning inpatient safety, pathway integration, non-motor symptom management, digital innovation, and holistic approaches to wellbeing. From these, three finalists were shortlisted to present their projects to the full cohort at Module 2.
“Great presentations from the finalists. So interesting to see what work is being done around the country.”
“A lot of hard work has gone into these projects.”
“All presentations were excellent, so proud of the work they've done!”
Delegate feedback
Winner
The winning project was awarded to Dr Isobel Sleeman, geriatric and internal medicine registrar, NHS Grampian, for “Good vibrations: exercise to music in rural Aberdeenshire”. Living with Parkinson’s in rural areas can mean limited access to exercise groups, physiotherapy, and community support. Many people face long journeys, infrequent services, or no local provision at all. Recognising this, Dr Sleeman developed “Good Vibrations”, an exercise-to-music programme designed to bring enjoyable, accessible movement sessions closer to home.
The initiative offered rhythmic, structured exercises tailored to people with Parkinson’s, delivered in a community hall reachable from several rural villages. Upbeat, familiar music helped participants stay motivated, while warm-up and relaxation routines ensured the programme met a range of ability levels. As word spread, attendance increased, and participants reported improved stamina, balance, confidence, and mood, as well as a stronger sense of community connection.
Runners-up
Sophie Blackburn, specialist registrar in geriatric medicine, alongside colleagues Matthew Murden and Elisabete Marques at Ealing Hospital, developed a compelling case for a joint geriatrician–neurology outpatient clinic to address fragmented care for people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Her evaluation showed significant duplication of appointments, frequent overlap in clinical needs, and clear support from patients and staff for a more coordinated approach. The proposed model demonstrated potential to reduce repeat visits, improve continuity, and streamline decision-making for complex patients, offering a strong foundation for piloting an integrated clinic that could guide similar services in the future.
Improving end-of-life care for people with Parkinson’s
Samantha Haynes, Parkinson’s nurse specialist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, led a quality improvement project to enhance the recognition and coordination of end-of-life care for people with Parkinson’s. By introducing a clinical trigger tool, delivering focused education for ward and community teams, and creating a shared Parkinson’s-palliative care pathway, she helped standardise earlier identification of advanced illness and strengthened communication across services. Staff confidence improved, families felt better supported, and patients received more timely, person-centred care – setting the stage for wider implementation across the local system.
The Heisters Award
Dr Sleeman received the newly named Heisters Award, honouring Daiga Heisters, our head of Parkinson’s Academy, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Daiga was a driving force in Parkinson’s education, known for her ability to build confidence, bring out the very best in people, and champion the impact we can make on the lives of those with Parkinson’s.
Former award winner Nick Bryden had the honour of announcing the award’s new name, sharing that the award will carry forward Daiga’s passion for education, teamwork, and belief in the power of professional networks:
“What this award now represents is the honour of Daiga – her passion, her ability to bring out the best in people, and her commitment to education. Her legacy lives on in the belief she gave so many of us: that we can make a difference for people with Parkinson’s, for their families, and for each other. She was always about team – the Academy team, the MasterClass room as a team, and the networks we build. That was her passion, and it is what this award will continue to celebrate.”
Nick Bryden, Parkinson's nurse specialist, NHS Ayrshire and Arran & PD Advanced MasterClass 42 project winner
Education with impact
Congratulations to all graduates of this year’s course. All project posters are now available on our website to inspire colleagues across services, and we have also summarised them in our latest ‘Education with impact’ report, available as a downloadable PDF below.
“I have learnt a great deal, both from the formal teaching (which was of a very high standard) and networking with colleagues, and how they run their services in their area. I am encouraged that even experts find it difficult at times but really helpful to get all the tips and hints from the speakers.”
“Thank you for such a brilliantly informative and extremely efficient run course. It was great meeting colleagues from across the country, making connections and friends for the rest of our careers.”
“I think it was an excellent course. I attended both foundations and advanced MasterClasses and it helped in time to refresh my knowledge and practice.”
“Fantastic course with a good variety of recent research and real-world discussions about individual cases.”
“I feel I have been given the tools to improve my practice everyday. Brilliant environment to learn from each other. Feel very inspired as I return back home to improve my patient journey.”
Delegate feedback, Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass 48
Our 2026 Parkinson's MasterClasses are now open for registration! If you’re looking to take your Parkinson's practice to the next level next year, apply early to secure your place.
Related articles
'The things you can't get from the books'
Parkinson's Academy, our original and longest running Academy, houses 23 years of inspirational projects, resources, and evidence for improving outcomes for people with Parkinson's. The Academy has a truly collegiate feel and prides itself on delivering 'the things you can't get from books' - a practical learning model which inspires all Neurology Academy courses.