Funding for local Parkinson’s nurses renewed

PARKINSON’S patients in the region will continue to receive specialist nursing with the Northern NSW Local Health District and Parkinson’s NSW renewing funding for Parkinson’s nurses.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, thanked Minister for North Coast and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, for her advocacy in securing the ongoing support.

“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,” Park said.

“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.”

Saffin said the cause was very close to her heart.

“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,” Saffin said.

“Parkinson’s nurses play a pivotal role in holistic care, improving access to services and reducing patient risk, morbidity and hospital admissions.”

Parkinson’s nurses play a crucial role in liaison between patients, specialists, aged care facilities, and healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, while also providing expert nursing care and offering weekly clinics across Northern NSW.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey said the district was 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,” she said.

Parkinson’s NSW CEO Mary Kay Walker said the organisation had co-funded the program since its inception.

“Parkinson’s nurses are the glue which holds together the multidisciplinary care team required for Parkinson’s patients,” Walker said.

“In this way, they play a vital role in facilitating Parkinson’s care in regional communities.”

For information, visit nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/movement-disorders/parkinsons-disease-nursing-service