Renewed funding has been announced to secure specialist support for people with Parkinson’s disease continues.
Minister for North Coast and State MP Janelle Saffin said it was a cause 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,” Ms Saffin said.
“Their expertise supports people with Parkinson’s across all disease stages, promoting self-management and helping to prevent complications.”
In Northern NSW, the number of people living with Parkinson’s is expected to double to 3000 by 2030 as a result of a rapidly ageing population, where nearly one in three residents will be aged over 65 years by that time.
Since 2020, Parkinson’s nurses have assisted 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 the region including Grafton, Casino, Lismore, Yamba, Ballina and Murwillumbah.
Parkinson’s nurses also form part of the Northern NSW Local Health District’s Movement Disorder Neurology Service, established in early 2024 to bring high-quality ambulatory care to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
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 go here.
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.
This information was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.