Q: Professor Morris, thank you for giving the time to speak with us today.  Firstly, would you please explain your role here in Queen Square and your particular areas of clinical expertise?

I work as a Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the Institute of Neurology.  I split my time between clinical neurology and research.  I have carried out research in Parkinson’s disease, Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders (such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy and Cortico-basal degeneration), Dementia and Motor Neuron Disease.  Currently I focus on Parkinson’s, particularly familial and early onset forms of Parkinson’s, and atypical parkinsonian disorders.  We are focussed on understanding how these disorders develop and progress and in development new treatments. 

Q: Queen Square is widely regarded as the home of Neurology and it contains a wide variety of skills and expertise.  How important to you and your clinical practice is the ability to work alongside colleagues from other clinical specialisms?

Queen Square is unusual in having a wide range expertise in neurology across both research and clinical practice, and across neurological disorders.  This greatly enhances the opportunities to offer the best care, and to develop new treatments.

Q: You have chosen to hold clinics at the Queen Square Private Consulting Rooms for private patients.  Could you explain to us why you have chosen Queen Square for this?

The Queen Square Private Consulting Rooms is dedicated to providing care for neurology and neurosurgery patients and is closely linked to the National Hospital.  This provides the opportunity to liaise with experts across neurology and the specialist neurosurgery, neuroradiology and neurophysiology services at Queen Square.

Q:  What, in your opinion, might be on the horizon for the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders?

We have already seen significant developments in the neurosurgery (deep brain stimulation) treatment for Parkinson’s disease and tremor.  I think in the future there will be personalised treatment for Parkinson’s and related disorders – that is we will understand how Parkinson’s differs between individual patients and we will be able to offer specific treatments which best treat the symptoms and potentially change the disease progression. 

Q: If a private patient is interested in seeing you in one of your clinics, how can they go about organising this?

My medical secretary Roseann McCrea is able to assist any seeking an appointment with me in Queen Square.  She can be contacted at roseann.mccrea@nhs.net.