Former MP hails 24-hour Parkinson's treatment

Sir Peter Luff (pictured in 2004) stepped down as Mid-Worcestershire MP in 2015

A former Worcestershire MP has hailed a new, wearable drug pump that delivers medication to Parkinson's patients around the clock.

Sir Peter Luff, who represented Mid Worcestershire, was diagnosed with Parkinson's more than a decade ago.

He has described the treatment, which will be rolled out later this month, as like a "birthday present".

It means patients can better manage their symptoms and will no longer have to take multiple tablets, which can top 20 a day in some cases.

The process works by administering a drug through a cannula under the skin and is controlled by a small automatic pump worn by patients 24 hours a day.

It turns the drug foslevodopa into "happy hormone" dopamine, which in turn improves how the brain transmits messages to nerves that control movement.

It will help ease movement-related symptoms in Parkinson's patients who are no longer responding to oral medication.

Speaking on BBC Hereford & Worcester, Sir Peter said: "It is some really good news.

"It was my birthday yesterday, so it was a great birthday present for me as I think it is something I will benefit from in the future."

He added: "It is an old drug that is being repurposed with a new way of delivering it.

"So the old drug has been given a new lease of life and it will make a difference to millions of people's lives."

James Palmer, NHS England's medical director for specialised services, described the move as "great news" for those "living with an often difficult and debilitating condition".

He added: "This important therapy will now offer a vital new option on the NHS for those who aren't suitable for other treatments such as deep brain stimulation.

"We hope it will help nearly a thousand patients to manage their symptoms more effectively and go about their day with a better quality of life."

According to Parkinson's UK, about 153,000 people in the UK are living with the disease.

And an estimated one in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.

The new treatment will be rolled out on the NHS in England from 27 February.