PAUL HOLMES MP PLEDGES TO IMPROVE LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON'S

2.58.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st Apr 2010

The Parkinson's Disease Society - the support and research charity - is committed to improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

That's why the charity has launched its manifesto, which puts forward the views of people affected by Parkinson's to a future Government.

Paul Holmes, MP for Chesterfield, has pledged his support for the Parkinson's Disease Society manifesto, 3 Pledges for Parkinson's.

The manifesto highlights three main issues that people affected by Parkinson's want to see tackled:

• Fair access to health and social care for everyone with Parkinson's

• The right benefits and financial support for those affected

• Government investment in a cure and better treatments

These issues are economically beneficial. The economy as a whole will benefit from people with Parkinson's getting the right health and social care. Parkinson's nurses could cut outpatient care, saving the NHS around £6million a year in England.

Paul said: "I wanted to pledge my support for people with Parkinson's after talking to the Parkinson's Disease Society. I can now see some of the problems faced by carers and people with the condition, and I have signed up to the Parkinson's Disease Society's manifesto. If I am re-elected, I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure people affected by Parkinson's have all the support they need."

Val Buxton, Director of Policy, Campaigns and Information at the Parkinson's Disease Society, said: "Too many people with Parkinson's can't get the support, services or treatment they need to manage their condition.

"People with Parkinson's can get a raw deal we want as many candidates as possible to sign up to our manifesto and highlight the issues that we've raised.

"Our manifesto pledges make financial sense for the next Government. The NHS can save around £56million by offering the right support through nurses and therapists. And Parkinson's nurses alone could save the NHS around £6million a year in England by cutting outpatient care."

For information and support call the Parkinson's Disease Society free confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303 or visit parkinsons.org.uk.