Parkinson's UK gets political: Invest to save

Over the next 3 weeks Parkinson's UK will be attending the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences. The party conferences are where we can take part in policy debates at the highest level. We'll be telling MPs and decision-makers about the challenges faced by people with Parkinson's and how the Government can help deliver the care and support they need (PDF file).

At each of the conferences people with Parkinson's will be arguing that good quality care is also cost-effective. So with cuts looming, it makes sense to invest in the right services.

For example, a Parkinson's nurse in Northern Devon helped reduce hospital admissions by 66%. Replicated across England, this reduction could save the NHS £7.5m every year.

We will talk to politicians about how proposed changes to the NHS, social care, the welfare system and research funding affect people with Parkinson's. We will be campaigning for fair care, access to the right benefits and support for vital research.

One of the highlights of the party conference season will be next Tuesday 21 September. Care Services Minister Paul Burstow MP will address our event Smarter Spending for Better Care at the Liberal Democrat conference in Liverpool.

If you're going to any of the party conferences, you're welcome to join us at one of our events. Call our Campaigns team on 020 7963 9349 or email campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk.

Find out about all our party conference activities and take a look at our new publication Invest to Save (PDF file).