James Wild MP has given his support to Parkinson’s UK’s calls for improved support for people living with the condition.
James Wild MP recently spent the afternoon with Parkinson’s UK’s King’s Lynn and West Norfolk support group. He met members to discuss his work as the MP for North West Norfolk and to hear about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. Around 235 people in North West Norfolk live with the condition, with nearly 3,000 across Norfolk and Waveney, and 166,000 in the UK. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s every 20 minutes in the UK.
Chaired by Parkinson’s UK volunteer coordinator, Jeanette Stapleton, the session began with James outlining his priorities for the constituency, from securing a new QEH, improving access to NHS dentistry, to tackling crime. He noted that the new hospital’s modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology could enhance care for all patients, including those with conditions like Parkinson’s, by reducing waiting times and enabling more efficient, responsive services.
Members highlighted pressing issues facing people living with Parkinson’s including the critical importance of timely access to medication in hospitals, explaining how a delay of as little as 30 minutes can mean the difference between functioning well and being unable to move, walk, talk, or swallow. Long waits for neurology appointments, sometimes exceeding a year for initial consultations with infrequent follow-up appointments, were also raised.
James pledged his support to encourage local hospitals to adopt procedures that help ensure patients receive medication on time. He also discussed how improving access to specialist care could reduce emergency admissions and enhance outcomes.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
James paid tribute to the vital role of the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Parkinson’s Group in supporting the local community. Run by Jeanette Stapleton and volunteers, the group provides practical support and social connection through a variety of activities - from cinema trips to sailing - helping people affected by Parkinson’s remain engaged, active, and supported.
Rachel Elitty, Local Campaigns Officer for Parkinson’s UK, said:
“It was a great opportunity for our local Parkinson’s group to hear directly from our MP about what he’s doing in the area, particularly his efforts to secure a new hospital building in King’s Lynn. We were especially pleased that Mr Wild pledged his support in urging the local hospital to ensure people with Parkinson’s get their medication on time, every time. We are grateful to him for taking the time to meet with and listen to his local Parkinson’s community.”
James Wild MP said:
“It was a privilege to join the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Parkinson’s Group and hear directly from members about the challenges they face every day. Their experiences, particularly around timely access to medication and difficulties in seeing neurology specialists only underlined the importance of ensuring people with Parkinson’s have the support and care they need.
I also shared some of the work I’m undertaking locally including efforts around the new Queen Elizabeth hospital which with its modern facilities and technology has the potential to improve patient care and access. I will continue to raise these important issues on behalf of the group.”
