People living with Parkinson’s disease in the Goulburn region now have the support of Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse Lauren Hogan.
The appointment to this newly created position was today announced by Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, Brian Bonham, General Manager – Tablelands Network & General Manager – Monaro Network for Southern NSW Local Health District, and Jo-Anne Reeves, CEO of Parkinson’s NSW.
Mrs Tuckerman said Ms Hogan is trained and experienced in the care of people living with the neurodegenerative condition and will support people in the Goulburn, Yass and Crookwell areas.
“The placement of a nurse assists with reducing the high rates of depression and anxiety commonly associated with Parkinson’s.”
Lauren Hogan is a Goulburn local who has spent 13 years working at Goulburn Base Hospital; nine of those as a Registered Nurse. Her most recent role was Clinical Nurse Educator on the surgical ward. She has also had experience in nursing, assessment and planning for Parkinson’s patients, reduction in falls causing serious injury, working in multidisciplinary teams, and infection control.
Parkinson’s NSW CEO Jo-Anne Reeves said the District-based Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse model had already been proven to deliver benefits for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers in other communities.
“This model permits the Specialist Nurses to work across a number of settings, including hospitals, clinics, patient’s homes and Aged Care facilities,” she said. “There is also evidence that this model of care helps to reduce the sense of isolation many people with Parkinson’s experience.”
“Where communities have access to a Specialist Nurse, carers and family members also show significant improvements in their own well-being, with reduced levels of depression,” she said.
Parkinson’s NSW, in partnership with Local Health Districts in NSW, currently co-manages neurological nurse positions in five regional areas: Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Shoalhaven, Tweed and Goulburn. A sixth position is also based at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in Sydney.
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.
Parkinson’s symptoms include 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. However, as yet there is no cure.
About Parkinson’s NSW
Parkinson’s NSW is a for-purpose organisation striving to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. Its purpose is to connect people living with Parkinson’s with life-enhancing support and services.
It provides essential services such as Support Groups, an InfoLine supported by Registered Nurse and Allied Health professionals, education, counselling, and specialist advice on Parkinson’s exercise programs. It also maintains a register of vetted health practitioners throughout NSW with Parkinson’s experience.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 