The first hybrid TORUS Patient Council meeting took place on Thursday 25 July 2024. 13 Council members from the North East and the South West met to hear about the TORUS project and find out more about the role of the Patient Council.  

The meeting began with the Chair of the Patient Council, Professor Dick Denton, welcoming members. Then Patient Council members introduced themselves and provided a short introduction about their background and experience with Parkinson’s Disease. Professor Ian Craddock, Principal Investigator and Director of TORUS, then welcomed members to the University of Bristol and the project. Ian highlighted the importance and value of having people with lived experience (PwLE) of Parkinson’s Disease involved in the project. An overview of the project was given, and key activities explained.  

The roles and responsibilities of the Patient Council members were then discussed, and Patient Council members heard more about two studies within the project before the meeting concluded.  

It was great to meet Patient Council members both online and in person. We are grateful for the time they have given to attend the first meeting. We are looking forward to working with Patient Council members and hearing their viewpoints and opinions throughout the project. The next meeting will be held in November.