Collect medicine on time

Apr 25 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

Collect medicine on time

“GET it on time” was the message from the Chester branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society during a visit to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The national campaign was launched to ensure the thousands of people with Parkinson’s admitted into hospital in the UK each year get their medication on time, every time during their stay.

When they don’t, their ability to manage their symptoms may be lost, according to the society and they may suddenly find themselves unable to move. The campaign and related information can help people explain their complex medication needs to staff.

“It’s often something unrelated to Parkinson’s that leads to a stay in hospital,” says the society.

“This can mean that people with Parkinson’s are cared for by staff with little expertise in the condition”.

The aim is to ensure all hospital staff have a better understanding of Parkinson’s and why the timing of drugs is so crucial.

The society also hopes hospital staff will listen to people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families and that hospital pharmacies make sure they always stock a broad range of Parkinson’s medication which is also easily accessible.

It believes people with Parkinson’s should have the option to control their own medication if they are able to and that if not, they should get their medication on time.