The PDS is delighted at the announcement from Health Minister Edwina Hart AM, that NHS funding for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) will be reinstated for patients in Wales.

Deep Brain Stimulation is a procedure in which electrical signals from an implant in the brain are used to help reduce a person's symptoms. It is appropriate for some people with Parkinson's disease whose symptoms are no longer controlled by medication, are considered suitable for surgery and meet defined clinical criteria.

Funding for DBS was suspended by Health Commission Wales in 2006 and the PDS has campaigned strongly since then to get the funding reinstated. Many of the twelve hundred PDS members in Wales recently wrote to their Assembly Members asking them to lobby the Health Minister Edwina Hart to reverse the funding decision. Assembly Members from all parties have been actively supporting their constituents in this campaigning.

The announcement states that £400,000 is being made available immediately for 2008/09 for treatment at two NHS Trusts in England. The amount for future funding will be considered in light of trial results due out later in the summer and emerging demand.

Dr Owen Edwards of Cardiff who has had Parkinson's disease for 25 years and underwent the operation 6 years ago commented that: "After having the operation I noticed with relief how the debilitating tremor had all but disappeared." He also pointed out the benefits to his wife as his carer.

Carol Smith, Campaigns Officer with the PDS in Wales stated:

"We are delighted that the Health Minister has agreed that funding for Deep Brain Stimulation should be resumed for patients in Wales. This is a real achievement for people with Parkinson's across Wales. Studies have shown that DBS can be very effective for certain people with Parkinson's.

"It will make a huge difference to those patients and their carers in Wales who are suitable for this treatment. We are grateful for all the support from the PDS's members and Assembly Members from all parties for working so hard to see this funding reinstated."