This week there was a debate in Westminster Hall, inspired by Parkinson’s UK, which had a great deal of focus on the need for more Parkinson’s nurses to support those with the condition. I was also at an event supporting Parkinson’s research and I am very conscious here in Romsey we have the Parkinson’s café, and a great deal of local interest. I am visiting them in January, and have had a large number of emails from local people caring for loved ones with Parkinson’s.
During my visit to Southampton General Hospital last week with Pets as Therapy I got to visit the Patient Hub and here about the work they are doing there to support patients and families being treated for a wide range of conditions. Previously much of the work of the hub had been specifically around cancer treatment, but that has now been expanded to include other conditions like Parkinson’s and MND.
I had a very quick catch up with the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for MND, to talk about access to Tofersen. Ian Byrne has been raising that with the Minister, because there is a real postcode lottery. Some patients have been able to access it through a compassionate early access scheme, but it is not available in our region, and there are some tragic cases of young people with MND for whom it could be transformational.
We also had an awareness event for the Jibraan Chaudhary Sepsis Research Foundation, and it was great to have Jibraan’s parents here in Parliament, and numerous MPs wearing the Foundation’s ribbon in PMQs. Jibraan contracted sepsis during his treatment for leukaemia and tragically lost his young life. His family has been very determined to raise awareness and funds for more research.
Next week I am headed to Stockholm for 36 hours to attend the International Crimea Platform on behalf of Mr Speaker. This is the fourth parliamentary summit and will bring together parliamentarians from all over Europe.
However I will be here for the glorious Christmas lights switch on in Romsey. That always feels like the start of the festive period and I cannot wait to see the town all lit up, with the sprinkling of snow this week it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
