House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 May 2025 · 13 other contributors · 8,637 words
Opened by Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Responding minister: Stephen Kinnock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Paul Davies raised concerns about parkinson’s disease in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Invest in workforce shortages to address delays in diagnoses and access to essential multidisciplinary care, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists. Provide immediate comprehensive support after diagnosis through programmes like Parkinson’s Connect.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Parkinson’s is a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK and is expected to rise to 172,000 by 2030. It costs the UK £3 billion annually, with nearly a quarter of patients not receiving adequate information or support services after diagnosis. The integrated care board’s spending on hospital admissions for Parkinson's patients increased by nearly 5% in West Yorkshire.
Discussed the complex and often neglected experience of women with Parkinson's, highlighting issues such as misdiagnosis and underrepresentation in clinical trials. Emphasized the need for gender-specific research and treatment strategies.
Acknowledges the variability in symptoms experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers and thanks charities like Parkinson’s UK and Cure Parkinson’s for their support to these people across the country.
Emphasized the importance of recognising the work of unpaid carers, partners, spouses, and community groups supporting Parkinson's sufferers.
Liberal Democrats call for named GPs for patients with long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s to ensure continuity of care and timely referrals. They also highlight funding cuts affecting community services like Weldmar Hospicecare, which are crucial in rural areas. The MP acknowledged the debate on Parkinson's disease awareness and expressed support for improving treatment and care.
Stressed the importance of early diagnosis and specialist care, citing personal experience with a family member diagnosed with Parkinson's. Raised concerns about funding levels for Parkinson's research and disparities in neurological services.
Highlights the positive impact of local initiatives such as table tennis classes for people with Parkinson's, noting that it has been very well received in her constituency.
Expressed concerns about changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which could leave many people with Parkinson’s without essential support. Emphasised the importance of PIP in helping those living with Parkinson’s and preventing financial strain on local authorities. Spoke passionately about the need for timely diagnosis, comprehensive care, and the importance of the Parky charter in raising awareness.
Over the last few years, patients living with Parkinson’s disease have faced unacceptable waits to be diagnosed and treated; around half of the thousands on waiting lists wait longer than 18 weeks. Discussed the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive care in treating Parkinson’s, highlighting the need for specialist training.
Advocates for the Parky charter and urges the government to consider investing in services such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists.
Mentioned a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s, highlighting the shortage of neurologists in the UK compared to other European nations. Urges the Government to roll out the Parkinson's Connect programme and scrap prescription charges for people with Parkinson’s.
Suggests learning from Scotland's adult disability payment system to support people in receipt of personal independence payments who have Parkinson’s, a fluctuating condition.
Praised the Government’s change to carer’s allowance and the steps being taken towards a 10-year health plan focusing on community care and prevention.
There are significant issues with diagnosis delays, lack of specialist nurses, high prescription charges for Parkinson’s patients, and the need for multidisciplinary teams to manage neuro conditions properly. Supported calls for additional funding and resources to support patients with Parkinson's disease and their families.
Government Response
Stephen KinnockThe Minister for Care
Pays tribute to NHS clinicians, charities, and care workers. Acknowledges Parkinson's disease impacts every aspect of daily life and affects around 153,000 people in the UK. Commits to addressing challenges through workforce planning, including a refreshed long-term workforce plan this summer. Pledges to hit waiting list targets for non-urgent conditions within NHS constitution timelines. Highlights initiatives such as neuroscience transformation programme, Getting it Right First Time initiative, and strengthened clinical reference group.