Sir Gavin Williamson has urged the Government to ensure time-critical medication to treat Parkinson’s is a high-priority patient safety issue.
During a Parliamentary event, representatives from Parkinson’s UK explained the devastating impact that missed medication in hospitals has on those with the condition.
Parkinson’s is a complex condition that worsens over time. There are 166,000 people in the UK with Parkinson’s and it has more than 40 symptoms including: tremor, pain, and anxiety. There is currently no cure.
Those with Parkinson’s heavily rely upon time critical medication. A delay of as little as 30 minutes can mean the difference between functioning well and being unable to move, walk, talk or swallow.
Tasha Burgess, Public Affairs Lead at Parkinson’s UK said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sir Gavin for standing with constituents across Staffordshire to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.
“Missed or delayed medication in hospitals presents a serious risk of harm to the health of people with Parkinson’s and so many other patients. So this should be a high-priority safety issue.
“We believe that no one should fear going into hospital, and we’re here to work with the NHS to make sure people who depend on time critical medication see hospital as a safe place to be. It is time to act now.”
Sir Gavin said: “I was pleased to attend Parkinson UK’s informative Parliamentary event which shed light on the devastating impacts of this condition.
“It is vital that those with Parkinson’s are supported to live well and I urge the Government to ensure time-critical medication to treat Parkinson’s in hospital settings is a high priority.
“I look forward to working with Parkinson’s UK and other charities to ensure those living with the condition are able to access the medication and services they deserve.”
