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New NHS standards for Scotland

5 November 2009

The new NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (QIS) Clinical Standards for Neurological Health Services have been published online, outlining the services that the NHS should provide for people with neurological conditions in Scotland.

People with Parkinson's need specialist care at every stage so we welcome the publication of these new standards.

Andrew Sim, Scotland Manager

The standards, which are due to be formally launched in January 2010, include requirements for people with Parkinson's to have:

  • diagnosis from a doctor with a specialist knowledge of Parkinson's
  • ongoing access to a Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist
  • ongoing access to a team of health professionals

Parkinson's care in Scotland

Andrew Sim, our Scotland Manager said:

"For 10,000 Scots with Parkinson's, it is imperative that the Scottish Government ensures urgent action from NHS Boards and local authorities to address a legacy of poor care and severe inequalities in access to care.

"We welcome the online publication of these new NHS QIS Standards. People with Parkinson's need specialist care at every stage.

"Far too many people are falling through the gap and coping without that support. We know that at least 1 in 3 people with Parkinson's in Scotland has never seen a specialist nurse.

"We look forward to hearing the plans for implementation in January, and working with people living with Parkinson's and NHS boards to make sure these standards do not gather dust on a shelf."

Act now for fair care in Scotland

Take action - email Scotland's Health Minister

If you live in Scotland, ask Shona Robison MSP to promote fair care for everyone affected by Parkinson's in Scotland, by supporting the new Clinical Standards.