A local Parkinson’s Nurse campaign group left Barnaby Joyce’s office with the most positive news they have heard in eight years of fighting, after meeting with Rural Health Minister Bridget McKenzie.
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The group, headed by John Crosby and Trish Betts, were by their own admission about to give up, after only suffering setbacks in their mission to get a Specialist Neurological Nurse (SNN) to service the region.
Recently the 1300 Parkinson’s sufferers in the Hunter New England took a hit when news broke that one of only two PD nurse positions would not be replaced after one resigned.
The Nationals deputy leader took the opportunity to break the news that the 0.8FTE position would be replaced, although also agreed that much more needed to be done to service the region.
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“The employment of nurses is done by the state, and this needs to be seen as a priority – We have heard loud and clear, and I will be making contact with state health minister Brad Hazzard,” she said.
The senator also pointed towards maximising the services that are already available, such as the Tele-health service, and the incoming Workforce Incentive Program, which aims to build multi-disciplinary teams in regional areas.
Mr Joyce echoed those sentiments, also admitting that “we hear you loud and clear and we get it – now we have to step it up.”
“To have the minister here is the first step, and now Bridget has the power to say to the NSW government that if you don’t play with us, we won’t play with you, and put our case forward about how important it is to get that help in this area,” he said.
The two politicians were met by a silent show of support outside his Peel Street office, with near 30 sufferers, carers and partners turning up to make a point.
“I am not quite elated but extremely hopeful – I would be amazed if there was not a response,” Mr Crosby said.
“It is the most positive meeting we have had in eight years.”
“I think Bridget and Barnaby are fair dinkum about supporting this now. The framework has been assembled and we have a glimmer of hope, because we were exhausted and just about ready to give up.”
Senator McKenzie promised the group that she will get back to the group with some answers from the state government within a month.
