Media release: 27 February 2010
(for immediate release)

Parkinson’s Tasmania Celebrates the Liberal Parties Commitment

Parkinson’s Tasmania today welcomed the announcement by the Liberal Party that it will establish three nurse specialist educator positions in the Community for those living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders their carers and families.

Parkinson’s Tasmanian President Helen Connor-Kendray said, “After years of talking and writing to the Government, it is hard to believe that at last something is happening.”

“Tasmania is the only State without Specialist Nurse Educators, yet we have the highest percentage per head of population of any other State.  It has been very distressing seeing the difficulties those affected by Parkinson’s disease have. These people must be able to stay in their own homes with properly skilled specialist nurses to advise and support them. They do very poorly in Hospital.”

“This policy from the Liberal Party is spot on regarding the benefits that will follow. Not only in an appropriate service to those affected by Parkinson’s disease but in taking some of the pressure off Hospitals, Nursing Homes and GP’s. It shall also give support to our only Parkinson’s clinic which is in the South.” Ms. Connor-Kendray said.