Relaunching our campaign to boost the Parkinson’s specialist workforce

We know that far too many people with Parkinson’s wait too long. For a fast diagnosis, for good quality care, and for the right treatment that meets their needs. 

And even though the NHS is stretched, people with Parkinson’s can’t wait any longer. 

Take action to boost the workforce

We're asking you to write to:

• your MP if you live in England.
• your MSPs if you live in Scotland.

We want your elected representatives to put pressure on the relevant ministers to make sure the NHS recruits, trains and retains the specialist Parkinson’s healthcare workforce.

Wendy, who lives with Parkinson’s, said:

"I waited over 8 months to see the neurologist to confirm I had Parkinson’s. Whilst I was waiting, I started to develop a tremor in my left leg and arm. I feel like after my diagnosis I was thrown back into the world with no advice or guidance. I’m still waiting for my brain scan and I haven’t had access to a Parkinson’s nurse." 

Our Can’t Wait campaign aims to do 2 things:

• provide a clear picture of the existing Parkinson’s specialist workforce, highlighting the gaps in care that are causing delayed diagnoses and long waiting times
• apply pressure on the government and local services, asking them to outline how they intend to tackle these challenges and better plan for the future. 

Playing our part

For many years, the Parkinson’s community has played a vital role in strengthening specialist roles within the NHS and enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. 

Since 1996, we’ve invested over £15 million in funding, training, and supporting Parkinson’s nurses. We continue to fund key roles and deliver education courses to make sure  health professionals have the expertise they need to care for people with Parkinson’s. 
We also create opportunities for both specialists and non-specialists to come together, share best practice, and build their knowledge, skills, and confidence.

But we cannot do this alone. It’s crucial that the UK and Scottish governments, and the NHS, step up to secure and expand these roles so everyone with Parkinson’s has access to the right care and support. At the right time.

Grace Ogden, Campaigns Engagement Lead, said: 

“The waiting list for neurology has grown by over 90,000 patients since the start of the pandemic. And recently England Health Minister Ashley Dalton said in a parliamentary debate that ‘Parkinson’s nurses are worth their weight in gold.’

“We’re calling on the public, MPs and MSPs to support our Can’t Wait campaign for better Parkinson’s care. Your voice can make a difference. Together, we can push for a healthcare system that delivers the right care, at the right time, for everyone living with Parkinson’s. We can’t wait any longer.”

Next steps

We’d love to hear from people with Parkinson’s who have had a good or bad experience of care. Your story can really help to convince governments and health bodies to take action.

And as the campaign progresses, we’ll keep you informed about other ways you can support our campaign.