Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSCall for action over Parkinson's medication
Members of Scottish parliament will be called on to take action today to ensure people with Parkinson’s disease get their medication at the correct time when they are admitted to hospital.
Research charity Parkinson’s UK said people with the condition can become extremely ill without proper treatment.
About 7,500 people signed its petition calling for an inquiry into why so many people with the disease are not administered medication at the right times.
This afternoon the charity will make its case to MSPs at the Scottish parliament.
People who have Parkinson’s, alongside their families, will gather at Holyrood to hand the petition to Frank McAveety, the convener of the public petitions committee.
Parkinson’s UK’s Tanith Muller will later tell MSPs on the committee why it is vital that people get their medication on time.
The campaigner said: “Many people find they don`t get their medication on time when they are admitted to hospital.
“It has serious consequences for the individual and their family. It also costs the NHS money in extended hospital stays and additional treatment.”
She added: “People living at home may need additional support to make sure that they are able to take their medication on time. If they do not receive this support they are at higher risk of being admitted to hospitals or care homes.”
About 10,000 people in Scotland have Parkinson’s disease - more than a quarter of them are admitted to hospital each year.
If they do not get their medication on time, their symptoms become uncontrolled and they can become unable to move, speak, eat or swallow.
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