The DH has unveiled a best practice tariff (BPT) for Parkinson's in a bid to encourage first-class care for by commissioners across England.
With BPT's in place for other long-term conditions such as diabetes, it is hoped the Parkinson's BPT will address issues of access to adequate and specialist care that people with Parkinson's are facing.
Many people with Parkinson's are waiting several months just to see a clinical specialist or a Parkinson's specialist nurse. The BPT- which outlines the standard of care people with Parkinson's need - will not only ensure those with the condition gain access to these services but will also improve access to therapy and mental health services to improve quality of life.
Steve Ford, chief executive of Parkinson's UK said: 'This is a big step forward to ensuring that people with Parkinson's get the specialist support they need to live with this complex condition. We know that many people with Parkinson's are forced to endure months of an anxiety, just to see a specialist - this is totally unacceptable.
'Existing BPTs are already in place for other long-term conditions and we are are calling on the government and all NHS administrations to ensure that they adopt this BPT to ensure key high quality services are provided for everyone affected by Parkinson's, wherever they live.
'As well as helping newly diagnosed patients to access the services they need to cope with those first uncertain months, the BPT will also work to reduce unscheduled care and hospital stays for those who have been living with Parkinson's for many years.'
The BPT was produced in partnership with Neurological Commissioning support and Parkinson's UK.