North East Herts MP, Oliver Heald,was among the thousands of people supporting the Fair Care for Parkinson’s Petition that was presented to the Government this week.
The petition, signed by over 14,000 people to demand fair care for people with Parkinson’s was presented to Care Services Minister Paul Burstow at an event in the House of Commons.
ITV’s Daybreak presenter, John Stapleton, is among the 14,463 people supporting the Fair Care petition. As well as Paul Burstow, Baroness Gale, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Parkinson’s and Steve Ford, Parkinson UK Chief Executive were among those talking at the event.
The Fair Care for Parkinson’s Petition calls on the Government and decision makers to protect Parkinson’s services and make sure people with the condition get quality care that meets national standards, wherever they live.
Commenting, Oliver Heald, said: “It was excellent to see so many fellow MPs at the Parkinson’s UK All Party Parliamentary Group event at Westminster and I support the call for fair treatment across the UK. North Hertfordshire has played an important role in establishing modern Parkinson’s nurse-led services and it was excellent to meet up with Roddy and Caroline Lee as they prepare for their Nepal Trek. Roddy is Chairman Elect of our local Parkinson’s Society Branch and an inspirational leader and fundraiser.”
Roddy has also commented:
""Caroline and I were delighted to meet Oliver, who has been very supportive of us, our fundraising initiatives and Parkinson's UK over recent years.""
Steve Ford, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK said: “ Essential services like specialist Parkinson’s nurses, therapists and respite care save money and make a huge difference to quality of life for people with Parkinson's. It’s a false economy to cut services that help people stay independent and keep them out of hospital and care homes.”
“We hope that our petition makes clear to the Government that the best way for it to save money is to deliver quality services where and when people need them.”
ENDS
01763 247640
23 November 2010
Notes to Editors
About Parkinson’s UK:
Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s. Because we’re here, no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.
We bring people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families together via our network of local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. Specialist nurses, our supporters and staff provide information and training on every aspect of Parkinson’s.
As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. We also campaign to change attitudes and demand better services.
Our work is totally dependent on donations. Help us to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
About Fair Care for Parkinson’s: The launch of our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign follows a report on Parkinson's services by an independent group of MPs and Peers.
The report 'Please mind the gap: Parkinson's disease services today' has exposed major inequalities in access to information and services for people with Parkinson's and their families.
We want to influence UK governments and administrations to make sure the right leadership, monitoring and workforce is in place to deliver high quality services for everyone with Parkinson's and their carers, wherever they live.
Photo shows Oliver Heald MP (left) and Roddy Lee, Chairman Elect of the local Parkinson’s Society Branch