🕒 Get It on Time: Why Timely Medication Matters in Hospital

Every dose counts. Every minute matters.

For people living with Parkinson’s, getting medication on time isn’t just important; it’s life-changing. That’s why the TCNU lab at Manchester Metropolitan University are working together with Parkinson’s UK to make sure hospital stays don’t mean missed medication.

The scale of the problem.

Parkinson’s UK’s 2020 report revealed that:

• 63% of people with Parkinson’s didn’t consistently get their medication on time in hospital
• 47% weren’t allowed to self-administer their own medication
• 78% reported worsening health outcomes due to delays
• Only 44% of trusts/health boards provide mandatory Parkinson’s training to ward staff
• 21% of hospitals had no self-administration policy at all

These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real people whose health and independence were put at risk.

🚶Medication and mobility.

When Parkinson’s medication isn’t given on time, the effects don’t stop at shaky hands or stiff muscles. Delays can trigger a domino effect; making it harder to move, slowing recovery, and often leading to longer hospital stays.

In fact, people with Parkinson’s are twice as likely to spend up to three months in hospital compared to others of the same age. And the longer someone stays, the greater the risks: infections, poor sleep, muscle weakness, and most worrying of all, falls.

For older adults with Parkinson’s, the danger is even greater. They’re already more likely to fall while in hospital, and research shows that risk doesn’t end when they go home. It can last for six months after discharge, making timely medication a matter of safety as well as comfort.

Research through listening.

We’re talking directly to people with Parkinson’s about what really happens during a hospital stay and the impact that missed or delayed medication can have, not just in the moment, but for months afterwards. Through surveys and interviews, we’re uncovering the hidden struggles that often go unnoticed.

Patients have told us it’s not only about getting medication on time. Simple things, like being able to move regularly to ease stiffness and pain, can make a huge difference to their comfort and recovery.

At the same time, we’re speaking with healthcare staff to understand the practical challenges they face. By combining patient voices with staff insights, we’re building a clearer picture of what needs to change and how hospitals can make care safer, more responsive, and more human.