Parkinson’s UK Calls for Action
Parkinson’s UK is urging the UK government to address the issue of patients not receiving their vital medication on time while in hospitals through its Get It On Time campaign.
Insights from the Report
A report titled ‘Every minute counts’ by Parkinson’s UK reveals alarming statistics regarding missed medications for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The report emphasizes the impact of delayed or missed doses on patients, including worsening symptoms, speech and mobility issues, increased stress, anxiety, and prolonged hospital stays. In some cases, missed doses can even be fatal.
Key Findings
- Only 52% of NHS Trusts provide training on time-critical medication to hospital ward staff.
- One in four NHS Trusts lacks policies allowing patients to self-administer medication.
- NHS Trusts do not monitor or report missed doses, leading to a lack of awareness and necessary actions.
Collaborative Efforts
Recognizing that this issue extends beyond Parkinson’s, various organizations including Diabetes UK, Epilepsy Action, and others are uniting with Parkinson’s UK to call for:
- Implementation of self-administration policies in hospitals.
- Expansion of e-prescribing systems to track medication timing.
- Comprehensive training for hospital staff on time-sensitive medication management.
Urgency for Action
With the NHS facing significant challenges, it is crucial for the government to prioritize these measures to ensure timely medication for patients with various conditions. Failing to address this issue could impact healthcare services and increase pressure on social care systems.
