People in Wales living with Parkinson’s disease are not getting a good enough level of care, says David Chadwick.

The Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP paid tribute in a Westminster Hall debate yesterday to everyone in Wales and across the UK who has campaigned hard for people living with Parkinson’s.

He said that in Wales, the number of people living with Parkinson’s is expected to reach more than 9,000 by 2030.

Yet too many people trying to access the most basic elements of care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, still face a “postcode lottery”.

Mr Chadwick said: “Welsh health boards do not have reliable plans to replace specialist staff when they leave, which means long gaps in access to expert care.

“Given the ongoing shortages in neurology, people can wait far too long to see anyone with the right expertise.

“For a degenerative condition that demands regular and specialist review, that is simply unacceptable.

“Wales saw some of the worst disruption to rehabilitation services during the pandemic, and many of those pressures have not fully eased.

“People with Parkinson’s still report difficulties accessing physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.

“When rehabilitation breaks down, people deteriorate physically, mentally and socially, and carers are left to carry an enormous burden.

“Many are older spouses whose health is already fragile, and they deserve a system that recognises and supports them.”

Mr Chadwick told MPs that there is a need in Wales to “fix the basics”.

He said: “In Wales, 73 per cent of people with Parkinson’s in hospital say that they do not receive their medication on time.

“A delay of just 30 minutes can make the difference between going home or staying another week on a ward. That should not be happening.”