Neurological Nurse Educator for Port Macquarie

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and dedicated local Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams joined with Parkinson's NSW Board Chairman David Veness and CEO Jo-Anne Reeves to announce a landmark agreement to co-fund a Specialist Neurological Nurse/Educator for the Greater Port Macquarie region.

Today's announcement was the culmination of 6 years of work by the Port Macquarie Parkinson's Support Group with strong support by our NSW Government Local Member, Leslie Williams and Parkinsons NSW. 

Recruitment action will commence immediately with the appointment of a full-time nurse effective 1 July 2018.

A specialist nurse will provide vital support for people living with Parkinson's in this region as no Neurological Specialist is currently available in Port Macquarie, necessitating travel to Sydney, Newcastle or Coffs Harbour. For many people with severe symptoms such travel is difficult or impossible.

The Nurse/Educator's role will include:

• Support for people living with Parkinson's
• Support for carers of people living with Parkinson's
• Education and support for GPs, pharmacists, physiotherapists, hospital staff and other health-related service providers
• Coordination with NSW Health mainstream services

Advice on the appointed nurse will be provided in due course.