Scotland news and events
Free prescriptions in Scotland under threat according to
report
The
Independent Budget Review report for Scotland, published on 29
July 2010, could have major implications for people with
Parkinson's in Scotland. We're particularly concerned by proposals
to retain prescription charges in Scotland.
Free personal and nursing care is also a huge issue for people
with Parkinson's that could be affected by the report's
recommendations.
Read our full news story: Free
prescriptions in Scotland under threat according to report
'Get it on time' Scotland campaign - petition presented to
Scottish Parliament
We're calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish
Government to ensure that NHS boards support people with
Parkinson's to get their medication on time, every time, in
hospital and at home.
We presented a petition, signed by 7,500 people, to the Scottish
Parliament on Tuesday 15 June 2010.
Read more: Parkinson's petition on BBC
Scotland
Watch the discussion
with the Public Petitions Committee on
BBC Democracy Live
New dementia strategy in Scotland
The Scottish Government has launched the first Dementia
Strategy in Scotland, to make sure people with all forms of
dementia get the health care services they need, including those
with Parkinson's dementia.
We've been involved in the development of the strategy so read
our response to it on our blog -
Talk Parkinson's blog: New dementia strategy in Scotland, 4 June
2010
Supporter 'solos round Scotland'
In May 2006 Alan Rankin became the first person to
single-handedly circumnavigate Scotland by boat and bike.
Starting at Kirkcudbright he solo-sailed a 1,000 mile passage
around Scotland and its islands to Blyth on the north-east coast of
England. From there he cycled the 160 miles back to
Kirkcudbright.
The trip took 18 days to complete and raised £13,000 for Ocean
Youth Trust Scotland and Parkinson's UK.
Alan has written an account of his experience. 'Solo Round
Scotland' is available from
Amazon and
Waterstones
Proceeds from royalties will again be donated to us and Ocean
Youth Trust Scotland. For further background on Alan's challenge,
see www.soloroundscotland.com
Scottish Government told of carers' concerns
The Scottish Government is updating its carers' strategy. We
have taken the opportunity to tell the Government our concerns
about support for people who provide unpaid care for partners,
family members and friends with Parkinson’s.
We identified these priorities for action:
- Lack of resources
- Poor access to services
- Low use of carers’ assessments
- Poor information
- Lack of short breaks
- Lack of support for employed carers
- Carers living in remote and rural communities
We also highlighted 3 essential things that carers for someone
with Parkinson's need:
- Specialist information and support
- Recognition as a person, not just a carer
- Adequate financial support
Our full Carers’ Strategy
response
Other Scottish policy submissions
Three quarters of all Scottish legislation comes from Holyrood,
including all decisions on health and social care. These decisions
can affect people living with Parkinson's throughout Scotland.
We're working to ensure the needs of people affected by
Parkinson's are considered at every level – including the Scottish
Government, Scottish Parliament, NHS Boards, local authorities and
other bodies. We do this in formal and informal ways, in writing
and in person.
Read our latest submissions:
For more information, contact Tanith Muller, Parliamentary and
Campaigns Officer, on 0844 225 3726 or cam.scotland@parkinsons.org.uk
New NHS Scotland SIGN Guideline on Parkinson's
Scotland's long-awaited SIGN
(Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) Guideline on the
diagnosis and pharmacological management of Parkinson's has been
published in January 2010.
The guideline is an advisory document for health professionals.
Its recommendations about treatment on the basis of the published
research include:
- referring everyone with suspected Parkinson's to a doctor with
expertise in movement disorders for diagnosis, before starting
treatment
- warning people with Parkinson's about the possible side effects
of dopamine agonists, including compulsive behaviours
The guideline focuses on motor symptoms, but also includes some
lesser known non-motor symptoms, such as depression, dementia and
sleep problems.
News story: New NHS Scotland guideline
recommends expert diagnosis
Act now for Fair Care in Scotland
Take action by emailing Scotland's Health Minister, Shona
Robison MSP. Ask her to improve NHS Parkinson's services in
Scotland by implementing the new NHS QIS Clinical
Standards for Neurological Health Services
This is the first action for people
based in Scotland in our Fair Care for
Parkinson's campaign.
This action aims to highlight the wide variation in access to
essential services and information for people with Parkinson's, and
increase the pressure for the Clinical Standards to be implemented
across Scotland.
The more people who email, the louder our voice will
be.
More information:
Get involved in fundraising
There are so many ways that you can help us to help people
affected by Parkinson's, and ensure people in Scotland get the
support they need.
Sign up for your favourite run
Once you've signed up, contact Denise McNiven, Scotland
Fundraiser, on 0844 225 3731 or email rf.scotland@parkinsons.org.uk
for your free fundraising pack and t-shirt.
- Great Scottish Run, Glasgow - 5 September
2010
Choose between the half marathon or 10k race. Register on the
Great Scottish Run
website
- Bupa Great Edinburgh Run - May 2011
This
10k run starts and finishes in the beautiful surroundings of
Holyrood Park. Register on the Great Edinburgh
Run website
- Resolution Asset Management Women's 10k - May
2011
Take in Glasgow's picturesque South Side,
starting and finishing at Bellahouston Park. Register on the
Run Glasgow website
- Edinburgh Marathon
- May 2011
We'd love you to join our
team.
- Walk for
Scotland, Edinburgh - 5 June
2011
If running is not your thing then why not walk
instead? Starting in Holyrood Park, choose from three distances:
12, 6.7 or one mile.
- Big Fun Run Dundee - July 2011
This 5k
run is staged in Camperdown Park. Register on the Big Fun Run
website
- Big Fun Run Perth - July 2011
This 5k run
is staged in North Inch Park. Register on the Big Fun Run
website
- Forfar 10k - August 2011
Register your
interest with Denise McNiven on 0844 225 3731 or email dmcniven@parkinsons.org.uk
Organise an event
- Hold your own
event
You may already be taking part in a run or
holding an event. Why not support us by simply adding sponsorship,
an auction or raffle?
- Hold a Party for
Parkinson's
- Involve your company, workplace or social
club
Whether you want to hold a one-off event to
support us, or make us your charity of the year, we would love to
hear from you.
- Hold a Hidden Gardens day
If you are
interested in gardening, or you know of other willing gardeners in
your area, you could hold a Hidden Gardens day.
To request a Hidden Gardens fundraising pack, contact Denise
McNiven on 0844 225 3731 or email rf.scotland@parkinsons.org.uk
Other ways
To find out more about any of these opportunities to support us,
contact Denise McNiven, Scotland Fundraiser, on 0844 225 3731 or
email rf.scotland@parkinsons.org.uk
Get involved in volunteering
There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with us in
Scotland, from joining one of our local branch committees, to
helping us at events or fundraising. All new volunteers receive an
induction and support from our team. If you are interested in
knowing more about volunteering with us we would love to hear from
you. To find out more, contact:
More about volunteering your time to help
people with Parkinson's
Scotland home | News and events |
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