People living with Parkinson’s across Geelong and the Bellarine will soon have better access to health services thanks to the rollout of a new pilot.
ParkinsonNet will be piloted in Western Victoria, including Geelong and the Bellarine, and Tasmania to help improve health outcomes, reduce disability, lower hospitalisation rates and cut healthcare costs.
Geelong’s John Eren was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 while serving as Member for Lara. He said that while Parkinson’s did not discriminate, “access to care still does”.
“ParkinsonNet is a big win for regional communities and shows what is possible when lived experience, medical expertise and community advocacy come together,” he said.
“I would like to thank all involved in making this project a priority and listening to and understanding the needs of the Parkinson’s community, including the importance of better care and support.”
Professor Michele Callisaya is a physiotherapist living with Parkinson’s from The University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research and will lead the pilot.
“Integrating ParkinsonNet into Australia’s healthcare system will upskill health professionals, strengthen visible networks, and ultimately improve outcomes for 220,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s,” she said.
World Parkinson’s Day is on Friday, April 11, to raise awareness and support for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Fight Parkinson’s will further host its A Walk in the Park in Geelong event on May 4.
Visit parkinsonswalkgeelong.com.au for more information or to register.
