Publish date: 12 November 2025
Adults living with Parkinson’s disease across the Fylde Coast may soon be offered a life-changing treatment for Parkinson’s Disease in a move which is expected to reduce waiting times to start treatment.
Apomorphine is a standard therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease. It is an injectable treatment, given via a pump, for patients whose motor fluctuations aren’t controlled with oral medication.
Previously it was only delivered via the neurology service at Royal Preston Hospital, but now Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is able to offer it to suitable patients. If patients feel they might benefit then they should discuss this with their team at the next clinic visit. Those waiting for it at Royal Preston are currently being worked through by that team. BTH are taking over the commencement if there will still be a long wait.
Dr David McGhee, Consultant Geriatrician and Parkinson’s Lead at the Trust, said this is expected to vastly improve patient care by reducing the wait to start the treatment – potentially by months or even years for those who are suitable.
Dr McGhee said: “People living with advanced Parkinson’s disease can struggle with disabling periods of being rigid and immobile (‘off periods’) and periods of being very wriggly.
“Apomorphine’s main benefit is reducing ‘off’ time and improving quality ‘on’ time, and thus significant improving quality of life. It can reduce care needs, saving money and reducing carer strain for those looked after by their loved ones. It should be cost saving, in terms of reducing the number of appointments for those who are stabilised on the treatment, reducing admissions, and reducing complications such as falls due to immobility.”
The Blackpool Parkinson’s Team is also working towards delivering another, newer NICE-approved injectable therapy called Produodopa. This treatment is also given via a pump, providing round-the-clock smooth motor control. For many, including patients who can’t have or don’t tolerate apomorphine, this too could be a life changing treatment.
