The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is providing specialist nursing care training to assist Western Region residents living with neurological conditions including Parkinson's through its Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist (MDNS) pilot program.
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With World Parkinson's Day on Sunday April 11, WNSW PHN announced the 11 Registered Nurses from across the region who have received scholarships that access theoretical knowledge, practical skills through industry placement, and provide ongoing mentoring and network support.
The recipients are based in Parkes, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Coonamble, Dubbo, Grenfell, Molong, Mudgee, Orange, and Warren.
Parkes nurse Katie Carolan is one of the recipients and says the program is a fantastic opportunity to improve her knowledge and skills.
"I am passionate about providing high quality care for my patients, no matter where they live," she said.
"I hope this course improves my confidence and skills to best support patients and their carers with Parkinson's Disease."
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WNSW PHN Acting CEO, Robert Strickland, says that, once trained, these 11 nurses will be delivering vital services to their local communities.
"Somewhere in Australia there is a person being diagnosed with Parkinson's every 40 minutes, so delivering training like this to assist those affected by neurological conditions, including Parkinson's, is absolutely vital, especially across our regional and remote areas," said Mr Strickland.
WNSW PHN Program Manager Chronic Disease, Alison Stoker, says the program will be delivering substantially improved health outcomes for patients.
"More Movement Disorder Nurse Specialists that understand the challenges of managing these issues in our region will mean more trained staff...reducing distance barriers and delivering more timely and personalised care," said Ms Stoker.
"With the help of Charles Sturt University (CSU), Parkinson's NSW, Western NSW and Far West Local Health Districts, Australasian Neurological Nurses Association Movement Disorder Chapter and all active partners in the implementation of this pilot program, it's a brilliant example of how a collaborative approach can deliver real results for local residents.
"I'm incredibly proud of our 11 scholarship recipients who have already commenced the training for their commitment to improving their skills for the benefit of their communities."
CSU Associate Professor, Rachel Rossiter, says she is relishing her close involvement in the pilot program.
"The passion and enthusiasm exhibited by the nurses recruited to the program speaks to the commitment that each one of them brings to improving health care for those in their rural and remote communities," she said.
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