People with Parkinson's disease living in Northern NSW will continue to have access to specialist support, with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), with the support of Parkinson's NSW, renewing funding for the region's Parkinson's nurses.
Since 2020, the nurses have played a key role in meeting the needs of people living with Parkinson's disease by liaising between patients and specialists, providing education in aged care facilities and for health care professionals including pharmacists, as well as providing expert nursing care and support to patients and their families
The specialist nurses also offer weekly clinics across Northern NSW at a number of centres including Grafton, Casino, Lismore, Yamba, Ballina and Murwillumbah.
The Parkinson's nurses also form part of NNSWLHD's Movement Disorder Neurology Service (MDNS), established in early 2024 to bring high-quality ambulatory care to people living with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
This service is provided in partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District's Movement Disorder Unit, Parkinson's NSW and the Rural Doctors Network. It offers access to a specialist neurologist who travels from Sydney's Westmead Hospital to Ballina District Hospital for monthly in-person clinics, in addition to weekly virtual clinics, to maximise access and outcomes for patients.
Parkinson's nurses also provide support during hospital stays and help with referrals to complementary therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology.
For further information on the Parkinson's Disease Nursing Service, visit the NNSWLHD website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"I want to thank Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin for her tireless advocacy in securing ongoing support for the Parkinson's nurses in the Northern Rivers.
"Janelle understands just how critical these roles are to the health and wellbeing of her community, and her leadership has helped ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can continue to access expert, compassionate care close to home.
"The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is higher in rural and remote areas, where access to specialist neurological support can be limited.
"This service means Northern Rivers residents have access to the same specialist support available in city areas, improving their quality of life by allowing them to remain closer to home, independent, active and in the care of friends and family for longer."
Quotes attributable to Minister for North Coast and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:
"This is a cause that is very close to my heart as I lobbied hard to get these Parkinson's nurses for our region a few years ago, to meet the growing demand from Parkinson's support group members and those newly diagnosed with the disease
"Parkinson's nurses play a pivotal role in holistic care, improving access to services and reducing patient risk, morbidity and hospital admissions.
"Their expertise supports people with Parkinson's across all disease stages, promoting self-management and helping to prevent complications."
Quotes attributable to Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey:
"Northern NSW Local Health District has become a regional leader in movement disorder care since establishing the Parkinson's Disease Nursing Service in 2020.
"This is particularly important in Northern NSW, where the number of people living with Parkinson's is expected to double to 3,000 by 2030 as a result of our rapidly ageing population, where nearly one in three residents will be aged over 65 years by that time."
Quotes attributable to Parkinson's NSW Chief Executive Officer Mary Kay Walker:
"We are delighted to learn that funding has been renewed for Parkinson's nurses in the Northern NSW Local Health District. Parkinson's NSW has been involved in co-funding this innovative care program since 2020.
"Parkinson's nurses are the glue which holds together the multidisciplinary care team required for Parkinson's patients. In this way they play a vital role in facilitating Parkinson's care in regional communities - including through telemedicine consultations."
About Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's is a progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson's including tremors, slow movement, stiffness and loss of balance. Also, fatigue, apathy, depression, disturbed sleep, loss of sense of smell, and issues with speech and swallowing. Symptoms can be managed with medication, exercise and other forms of therapy and support. Globally, disability and death from Parkinson's is rising faster than any other neurological disorder. However, as yet there is no cure.
