Complex nursing care provider Exemplar Health Care has appointed Joanna McCabe as its first Huntington’s disease nurse consultant, joining the company’s behaviour support team.

Exemplar Health Care supports more than 100 people living with Huntington’s disease across its 50 complex needs care homes.

McCabe will bolster the company’s Huntington’s disease training and expand connections with other services and experts, including local NHS Huntington’s disease teams.

She has 17 years’ experience in healthcare settings and services that support people living with neurodegenerative disease Huntington’s. She most recently worked as a specialist advisor for the Huntington’s Disease Association and has also worked as a registered nurse, deputy manager, and registered manager. 

McCabe will also work to help the company’s homes achieve Huntington’s Disease Association accreditation. There are currently just eight UK care homes that have this, two of which are Exemplar services – with a third Exemplar home awaiting the outcome of an earlier assessment. 

McCabe said: “The work and dedication needed to provide the best possible support to people living with such a transformative condition as Huntington’s disease cannot be overstated.

“The Exemplar Health Care team has already demonstrated their commitment to excellence, and it’s a pleasure to be working alongside a group of healthcare professionals who are driven to deliver their mission of making every day better for the people they support.

“In more than three decades of working in healthcare, I’ve seen every side of this neuro-disability and how it affects individuals and their loved ones. With that in mind, I cannot advocate strongly enough for the vital need for more expert Huntington’s disease care settings. I’m excited to join Exemplar Health Care to make this a reality so that even more people with Huntington’s disease can access the specialist care they deserve.”   

Helen Baxendale, clinical director at Exemplar Health Care, added: “Exemplar Health Care’s history is grounded in making meaningful differences in the lives of the people it supports. Joanna joins the team with vital experience which will enable us to continue to aid those with Huntington’s disease to live as fulfilled lives as possible, with a proven track record of transforming the care they receive. 

“This is a highly complex condition that demands a high level of strategic planning and expertise to deliver effective care and, as we continue to invest and grow our team of experts, Joanna’s appointment represents a great boost to an already fantastic team.”