Health and Social Care Committee

Inquiry into the contribution of community pharmacy to health services in Wales

CP 22 – Parkinson’s UK Cymru

Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into the contribution of community pharmacy to health services in Wales

Submission by Parkinson’s UK Cymru

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.

Response to Inquiry

We are currently not aware of any particular community pharmacy services for people with Parkinson’s in Wales.  Potential services could include Pharmacists linking in with the local Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist around medicine management concerns and linking in with Parkinson’s UK Cymru to improve access to support, information, and advocacy.

Parkinson’s UK Cymru was not aware of the Community Pharmacy Contract within the Local Health Boards until we approached Community Pharmacy Wales to forge new working links, as people with Parkinson’s wert: bold" class="MsoNormal">Response to Inquiry

We are currently not aware of any particular community pharmacy services for people with Parkinson’s in Wales.  Potential services could include Pharmacists linking in with the local Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist around medicine management concerns and linking in with Parkinson’s UK Cymru to improve access to support, information, and advocacy.

Parkinson’s UK Cymru was not aware of the Community Pharmacy Contract within the Local Health Boards until we approached Community Pharmacy Wales to forge new working links, as people with Parkinson’s were highlighting concerns and challenges to us around access to medication. 

We would support the development of enhanced and advanced services being offered by Community Pharmacists, as long as there is consistency in the type and level of service provided across Wales

Work being undertaken

Wales Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education (WCPPE)

WCPPE has offered to work in partnership with us to provide continuing professional development around Parkinson’s Disease via education sessions.  These will be facilitated across the 7 health board areas of Wales and will be done in conjunction with our Education & Training Officer, a medical practitioner (consultant, nurse specialist) and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.  This work is planned to take place in the first quarter of 2012.

Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW)

CPW will promote Parkinson’s UK as a resource within Wales. Potential joint work includes a project to raise awareness of Parkinson’s in Wales, a national campaign, and the provision of information sessions in consultancy rooms in pharmacies.

Hywel Dda Health Board

We are working with Hywel Dda Health Board to improve the knowledge of Parkinson’s Disease to all levels of staff.  We are linking in with the Pharmacy Interface manager to mirror the work undertaken with the community pharmacists via WCPPE.

Submitted by Carol Smith, Campaigns, Influence and Service Development Officer for Wales

Email: csmith@parkinsons.org.uk

Tel:  0844 225 3715

September 2011