What the Tasmanian Liberals will do:

Provide nurse specialist/educator services for Tasmanians with Neuro Degenerative disorders, with a particular focus on those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Establish three nurse specialist/educator positions to provide support and education to sufferers of neurodegenerative disorders and their carers/families.

A position will be located at a community health centre within each region as part of the multidisciplinary team servicing that region.  As demand for these services is currently greatest in the North West, followed by the North and the South, positions will be filled in that order.

Why this policy is needed
Tasmania has the largest number per head of population of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  The number of patients presenting with other chronic neurodegenerative disorders including multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease and Alzheimer’s, is also increasing and will continue to do so as the population ages.  Specialist support to keep pace with advances in medical treatment and allied health care is essential if we are to adequately support sufferers at home in the community and avoid ever increasing hospital admission rates into the future.

By subsidising the training, (through a specialist course offered by the University of Notre Dame) and placement - one in each region – of nurse specialist/educators, the Tasmanian Liberals will be providing much needed support to sufferers of these conditions and to those who care for them.  The creation of these positions will improve the integration of primary health care services and complement the work of other allied health professionals, GPs and specialists in the management of chronic conditions and undoubtedly improve the quality of life for people living with neurodegenerative disorders.

Other benefits include: the provision of regular and specialised support for sufferers and their carers including the provision of information and training to better assist them manage their condition; reduced pressure on GPs, and a reduction in unnecessary admissions to acute care hospitals.

The Liberal plan allows for an incremental increase in the number of educator positions and also takes into consideration a practical handover time of 3 years for the current volunteer team.

After more than 11 years of Labor...
When it comes to supporting people with neurodegenerative disorders the State Labor Government has a dismal record.

A June 2009 submission to government for funding of these positions was denied despite receiving strong support from State specialist geriatrician, Dr Jane Tolman and her staff, and the CEO of Parkinson’s Australia Inc.

Tasmanians suffering from neurodegenerative disorders and those that care for them should not have to rely primarily on volunteers for support and education.

* Position starts on the 1/1/2011.