Self-Administration of Parkinson’s Medication

For People with Parkinson’s, their families and carers

Helping you receive your time-critical Parkinson’s medication on time, every time

St. Vincent’s University Hospital is introducing a new pilot programme that allows some people with Parkinson’s to take their own Parkinson’s medication while in hospital, once it is safe and suitable to do so.

The pilot begins in March 2026 in the Emergency Department (ED) and Our Lady’s Ward (a Care of the Older Person ward).

This is the first phase of the pilot. If successful, we plan to expand self-administration to additional early-implementer wards in future phases.

Why this pilot matters

Parkinson’s medication is time-critical. Even short delays can lead to worsening symptoms, distress and avoidable complications.

Many people with Parkinson’s take their medication at very specific times and these timings do not always align with standard hospital medication rounds.

This pilot supports people to maintain their usual medication routine safely, while remaining under the care and oversight of their hospital team.

Who can take part?

When you arrive at the Emergency Department or are admitted to Our Lady’s Ward, a member of the team will ask a few short questions to see if self‑administration is suitable for you.

You may be able to take part if you:

• normally manage your own Parkinson’s medication at home
• feel well enough to self‑administer in hospital
• have the capacity to manage your medicines safely
• bring your own supply of Parkinson’s medication in its original packaging or in a pharmacy‑labelled container

Only certain time-critical Parkinson’s medicines are included in this pilot. All other medicines will continue to be administered by nursing staff.

Each person is assessed individually to ensure self-administration is safe and appropriate.

Who cannot take part?

For safety reasons, some people will not be able to self‑administer their medication while in hospital.

You may not be able to take part if you:

• are very drowsy, confused or unable to make decisions safely
• have difficulty swallowing or breathing
• have severe infection (sepsis), vomiting or a bowel blockage
• have had a stroke or head injury
• are attending because of an overdose or mental health crisis
• are admitted so your Parkinson’s medicines can be changed
• are in an area where self‑administration is not permitted (ICU, operating theatres, Elm Mount Unit)

What do I need to bring?

Please bring your Parkinson’s medication in its original boxes or pharmacy‑labelled containers.

We cannot use Parkinson’s medication that is stored in:

• dosette boxes
• blister packs / pill packs

This is because staff must be able to verify the medication name, strength and expiry date safely.

How the pilot works

If you would like to take part, please tell staff as soon as you arrive that you have Parkinson’s. A nurse will carry out a short assessment.

If you are eligible:

• In ED, you keep your Parkinson’s medication with you (for example in your bag or pocket).
• On Our Lady’s Ward, your medication is stored in your bedside locker.
• You continue taking your Parkinson’s medication at your usual times.
• Staff will check in with you regularly to make sure you remain well enough to self‑administer.

If your condition changes, the team may pause self‑administration temporarily and return to nurse-administered medication.

If your supply of medication runs out while you are in hospital, SVUH Pharmacy will provide additional supply.

What happens if I am moved to another ward?

For Phase 1, self-administration is only available in the Emergency Department and Our Lady’s Ward.

If you are transferred to another ward, your Parkinson’s medication will be administered by nursing staff in line with standard hospital practice.

Important: Please wait until staff confirm eligibility

Please do not take your Parkinson’s medication until a nurse has confirmed that self-administration is suitable and this has been documented.

If your medication is due and you have not yet been screened, please tell a member of staff immediately.

Can a family member or carer give my medication?

Yes, a family member or carer may assist you to take your Parkinson’s medication while you are in the Emergency Department only, once staff confirm you are eligible.

If the person supporting you leaves ED, please tell the nurse so the hospital team can take over.

Family members and carers cannot administer medication on inpatient wards.

Patient Information Leaflet – Taking my own Parkinson’s Medication while in hospital

Frequently Asked Questions