Each April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month reminds us of the 150,000+ people in the UK living with this complex, progressive neurological condition. But awareness alone is not enough. As I highlighted in a recent debate I lead on Parkinson’s care on 21st may, what people with Parkinson’s truly need is action—bold, systemic change that addresses the daily challenges they face and the structural shortcomings of our healthcare system.
Parkinson’s is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It affects movement, speech, cognition, and mental health in unique ways for each individual. Yet despite its complexity, the UK continues to fall short in providing the comprehensive, timely, and compassionate care that patients deserve. The shortage of neurologists and Parkinson’s specialists is particularly alarming. With the UK ranking near the bottom in Europe for neurologists per capita, patients often wait months for a diagnosis or treatment—delays that can have life-altering consequences.
Equally troubling is the lack of access to essential allied health professionals. Only 44% of patients in England can see an occupational therapist, and even fewer have access to physiotherapists or speech and language therapists. These are not optional extras; they are critical to maintaining quality of life. Investing in this workforce is not just humane—it’s economically sound. Parkinson’s costs the UK £3 billion annually, much of it due to preventable hospital admissions and the strain on unpaid carers.
Support at the point of diagnosis is another glaring gap. Nearly a quarter of newly diagnosed patients report receiving inadequate information or support. This is unacceptable. A Parkinson’s diagnosis is life-changing, and patients should be immediately connected to resources like Parkinson’s Connect, which offers access to specialist nurses, care advisers, and local support groups. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and preserve independence.
Timely medication is another urgent issue. For people with Parkinson’s, receiving medication even 30 minutes late can lead to severe symptoms or hospitalization. Yet over half of hospitalised patients report delays. While NHS England’s Medicines Safety Improvement Programme is a step in the right direction, it must be fully implemented and enforced across all NHS Trusts.
Financial barriers also persist. Unlike in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, people with Parkinson’s in England still pay prescription charges. This outdated policy forces many to choose between their health and their finances. Eliminating these charges could reduce hospital admissions and ultimately save the NHS money.
I was glad to hear the Minister, speak of the research that is advancing rapidly, with breakthroughs like eye scans detecting Parkinson’s years before symptoms and new treatments like Produodopa offering improved symptom control. I was encouraged to hear that the government is also promoting physical activity and social prescribing to enhance well-being.
The stories of resilience from communities like Colne Valley, where local champions like Liz Ryan MBE continue to inspire, show what’s possible when compassion meets commitment. But it’s time for the government to match that commitment with policy.
We owe it to every person living with Parkinson’s to move beyond awareness and into action—because dignity, timely care, and support should never be optional.
Parkinson’s Patients Deserve More Than Awareness—They Deserve Action
