Donation saves Parkinson’s program
An anonymous donor has contributed $40,000 towards a program for a Parkinson’s nurse in New South Wales’ Shoalhaven. Funding for the community nurse was due to run out this month, putting the program in jeopardy.
An anonymous donor has contributed $40,000 towards a program for a Parkinson’s nurse in New South Wales’ Shoalhaven.
Funding for the community nurse was due to run out this month, putting the program in jeopardy.
Now, an anonymous benefactor has contributed the funding to continue nurse Marilia Pereira’s work for another six months.
In February 2010, Parkinson’s NSW welcomed Marilia Pereira in her role as what was described as Australia’s first Neurological Nurse Educator.
The two year pilot project was partly funded by the Commonwealth Government and a private donor. Bendigo Bank supported the project by providing a car and services.
The Neurological Nurse Educator works with local doctors and health care professionals to assess the impact of Parkinson’s disease on the local community.
Based at the Nowra Community Health Centre, the project aims to ease the symptoms and financial burdens on those living with Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neurone disease, their carers, families and the community as a whole by implementing innovative and personalised patient care systems.
One of the major responsibilities Ms Pereira has been tackling during her appointment has been the assessment of all Parkinson’s patients living in the Shoalhaven area. She takes a hands on role with tasks such as overseeing medications and helping with early risk identification.
Ms Pereira has more than 12 years’ experience in neurology, having worked in a variety of roles, including Clinical Nurse Specialist in Clinical Neurophysiology and Area Clinical Nurse Consultant in Neurosciences.
The project is based on a successful British model which has seen the creation of an effective network of more than 200 Parkinson’s nurses throughout the UK.
While the anonymous donation has saved the program for now, it still needs government support beyond the next six months.
