Parkinson’s Disease Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Seamus Logan
Main Page: Seamus Logan (Scottish National Party - Aberdeenshire North and Moray East)Department Debates - View all Seamus Logan's debates with the Department of Health and Social Care
(1 day, 21 hours ago)
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Paul Davies
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. That is crucial. We know the impact of Parkinson’s on individuals, and later I will mention two constituents I have been working with. I know the impact that it has on the community.
Parkinson’s costs the UK £3 billion annually. Much of that is due to unplanned hospital admissions and the lost productivity of unpaid carers. Too many people with Parkinson’s feel abandoned after receiving their diagnosis. Nearly a quarter report not being given adequate information or access to support services. That is totally unacceptable.
Seamus Logan (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East) (SNP)
I defer to the hon. Member’s great wisdom on this matter, and he helpfully outlined the points that he intends to cover, but I want to add another aspect to the debate. The Government’s review of disability benefits may lead to pressure on people in receipt of personal independence payments, and it is poorly understood that people receive those payments to provide for adjustments that allow them to continue to work. Does he agree that the Government have an opportunity to learn from the system in Scotland? Scotland’s adult disability payment is a much more humane process, and it could support people in receipt of personal independence payments who have Parkinson’s, which is a fluctuating condition and may be missed.
Paul Davies
We have to keep an open mind, look at what is being done in other places, countries and regions, and learn from that. We should take that on board and relate any changes in the future to good practice elsewhere. I thank the hon. Gentleman for the intervention.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s is life-changing, and patients deserve immediate, comprehensive support. That is why Parkinson’s UK launched Parkinson’s Connect, which is a pioneering programme that enables healthcare professionals to refer newly diagnosed patients directly to a network of support. This includes access to specialist nurses, care advisers, local support groups and educational resources.