Gordon Brown responds to Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign

28 August 2009

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society, has received a letter from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in response to our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign.

More than 250 people in England, including members of the National Campaigns Network have either written to or emailed the Prime Minister about Fair Care for Parkinson's.

The campaign aims to influence government to make sure all people affected by Parkinson's have access to the health and social care they need, no matter where they are in the UK.

Gordon Brown's response shows that letter writing activity can get issues noticed, and really helps in campaigning for better care and support for Parkinson's.

Gordon Brown's letter

In his letter, Mr Brown says:

"I would like to thank the Parkinson's Disease Society for highlighting the variation in access to services across the country, and for the important work they have done over the years in raising awareness of the condition.

"Officials within the Department of Health are currently working in partnership with stakeholders to develop further plans to progress implementation of the National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions.

"We have commissioned the Long-Term Conditions Delivery and Support Team ... to deliver a series of regional events that bring together commissioners, the voluntary sector, carers and service users to improve communication and ensure better partnership working in the commissioning process."

Read Gordon Brown's letter (PDF, 398KB) to see his full response.

Next steps for Fair Care for Parkinson's

Steve Ford, our Chief Executive, will soon meet with Ann Keen, Undersecretary of State for Health Services. They will continue discussions around Parkinson's nurses, the Parkinson's workforce and our call for a review of the National Service Framework for Long-term Neurological Conditions in England. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign by contacting the Prime Minister. If you live in England and haven't yet, please email Gordon Brown, telling him why you think there needs to be Fair Care for Parkinson's.

People in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales can also get involved, with separate actions to be taken during the campaign

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