Ministers urged to act now over rise in patients

MINISTERS have been urged to ensure the NHS is ready for more patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease after a sharp rise in drug prescriptions for the condition.

Official data highlighted by the Scottish Conservatives showed the number of drugs dispensed for Parkinson’s had increased by almost a third since 2010/11.

Although this does not translate directly into a similar increase in patients, it does suggest a rise in the number of people affected.

The disease largely strikes the over-50s and Scotland’s ageing population is growing. Around one adult in every 350 will be diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition.

Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of the brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine, which is vital to controlling the body’s movements.

According to ISD Scotland, the statistical branch of NHS Scotland, there were 260,355 items prescribed for Parkinson’s in 2010/11. The number has risen every year since, reaching 333,167 in 2018/19, an overall increase of 28 per cent.

Despite the rise in demand, the cost has stayed roughly the same throughout, at around £11 million per year, with each item costing around £33.

Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP said:

“It’s very worrying that more and more people are receiving treatment for such a painful and debilitating illness.

“People living longer is a great thing, but it also brings challenges. It’s essential the SNP government ensures our NHS is equipped to help these patients and give them the care they need.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We want to ensure that everyone living with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, is able to access the best care and support, and benefit from health care services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care. ”