TAUNTON MP Jeremy Browne has launched a national report calling for improved care for people who suffer from Parkinson's Disease.

Mr Browne, who father has the illness, said: “I hope that greater attention will be given to treating this terrible illness and searching for an eventual cure."

He is a founder member of the all-party Parliamentary Parkinson's Disease group and a vice-president of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

The two organisations have produced a detailed report on the services provided for people with Parkinson's Disease.

Mr Browne added: “I have a particular interest because my father was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his mid-40s and I’m a keen supporter of the Taunton area Parkinson's Disease Society.

"Around 120,000 people in Britain have Parkinson's Disease, and many benefit from the excellent care provided by specialist doctors and nurses, but the level of provision varies greatly in different parts of the country.

“We’re generally well-served in Somerset, but other areas are less fortunate.

“There’s also a need to ensure there is proper understanding of Parkinson's Disease in the care sector and that patients receive their medication properly.

"A national strategy to improve care for patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions could raise the quality of life of thousands of people.

"I’ve tabled a motion in the House of Commons welcoming the Parkinson's Disease Inquiry report, which has been signed by dozens of MPs from all parties, and I hope that greater attention will be given to treating this terrible illness and searching for an eventual cure."

Text of House of Commons motion: Parkinson's Disease Inquiry Report by Jeremy Browne: That this House welcomes the findings of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Parkinson's Disease inquiry into health and social care, which concludes that there are systemic problems with access to key services for people with Parkinson's and their carers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland; endorses its recommendations, including that the Department of Health should hold a five-year review of progress towards implementation of the National Service Framework for Long-term (Neurological) Conditions; believes that there is a pressing need for stronger national leadership on neurological services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; and further welcomes the newly launched Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign by the Parkinson's Disease Society, which aims to improve services for people affected by the condition.