Get it on Time for Parkinson’s Medication

29 October 2007
NATIONAL MEDIA RELEASE

Get it on Time for Parkinson’s Medication

‘Get it on Time’ is the title of a campaign being launched by Parkinsons New Zealand. It will be the focus of Parkinson’s Awareness Week 1 – 7 November 2007.

The campaign is a bid to ensure that people with Parkinson’s receive their medication on time every time, wherever they are.

“It is vital, that people with Parkinson’s take the right medication at the right time," says Parkinsons New Zealand National Director Deirdre O’Sullivan.
But our members tell us, that frequently this does not happen when they spend time in hospital and rest homes.”

Incorrect timing of medication can slow down the recovery of people with Parkinson’s who, for other reasons, are in hospital. It can even lengthen their stay.

Timing in administering medication is crucial, as each drug needs to be taken at a specific time to stimulate a complex, carefully timed release of chemicals in the brain, thus allowing patients better control of movement.

As part of the 'Get it on Time' campaign, Parkinsons New Zealand has produced a wallet sized card highlighting the importance of correct medication management. People with Parkinson’s will be able to use the card to remind staff in hospitals and rest homes.

Medication problems in hospitals and rest homes for people with Parkinson’s are not peculiar to New Zealand. Campaigns to improve timing have been run by Parkinson’s societies around the world – particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Parkinsons New Zealand is so concerned about correct timing of medication that it has commissioned a research team to conduct a qualitative study into the issues.

In 2008 Parkinsons New Zealand will continue its campaign, announce the research results and develop educational materials for health professionals.

ENDS

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