St. Vincent’s University Hospital launches new pilot supporting self-administration of time-critical Parkinson’s medication
3rd March 2026
Clinical colleagues at St. Vincent’s University Hospital marking the launch of the Self-Administration of Parkinson’s Medication pilot in the Emergency Department. The initiative supports eligible patients to receive certain time-critical Parkinson’s medicines on time while in hospital.
St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) today launched what is believed to be the first hospital pilot in Ireland allowing eligible patients with Parkinson’s to self-administer certain time-critical medication while in hospital.
The initiative, which begins in the Emergency Department and on an inpatient Care of the Older Persons’ ward, aims to address a well-recognised challenge in Parkinson’s care: delays in medication administration during hospital stays.
Parkinson’s medication must be taken at specific times throughout the day. Even short delays can lead to worsening symptoms, mobility issues and significant distress for patients. In busy acute settings, standard medication rounds do not always align with these precise timings.
Under the new pilot, patients who normally manage their own Parkinson’s medication at home may continue to take certain time-critical medicines themselves in hospital, once assessed as suitable by the clinical team. All other medicines remain nurse administered.
Dr Tom MacMahon, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at SVUH, said the programme represents a practical step forward in patient-centred care.
“We know that timing is critical for people living with Parkinson’s. Even small delays can have a real impact on symptoms. This pilot allows suitable patients to maintain their established routine in a safe, structured way, while remaining under full clinical oversight. It improves safety and enhances the patient experience in a busy hospital environment.”
The programme was developed in collaboration with Emergency Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Nursing, Pharmacy and specialist Parkinson’s services and aligns with national guidance on time-critical medicines.
Niamh O’Hanlon, Chief II Pharmacist at SVUH, said the pilot is firmly grounded in medication safety principles.
“This is about reducing the risk of omitted or delayed doses while maintaining strong clinical governance. Only certain time-critical Parkinson’s medicines are included, and every patient is individually assessed. Supporting appropriate self-administration can make a meaningful difference to patients’ comfort and outcomes.”
Phase 1 of the pilot is now live in the Emergency Department and on Our Lady’s Ward. If successful, the model will expand to additional wards.
SVUH is a Level 4 acute teaching hospital affiliated with University College Dublin and is JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited.
For further information, please visit https://www.stvincents.ie/parkinsons
Mary Dalton, Parkinson’s patient representative for Move4Parkinson’s, pictured with members of the multidisciplinary team at St. Vincent’s University Hospital at the launch of the Self-Administration of Parkinson’s Medication pilot. The programme aims to reduce delays in time-critical Parkinson’s medication during hospital admissions.
Mary Dalton, Parkinson’s patient representative for Move4Parkinson’s, pictured at St. Vincent’s University Hospital at the launch of the Self-Administration of Parkinson’s Medication pilot.
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