NeuroKids expands Neurological Care in the South West

7 August 2024 in News

The Neurological Council of WA is excited to announce the official launch of NeuroKids South West, a vital new nursing service dedicated to supporting children and young people with neurological conditions in the South West region. The launch event, held at Bunbury’s Sanctuary Golf Resort on the 31st of July 2024, was attended by the Hon Don Punch MLA, Member for Bunbury, who officially inaugurated the service. The event marked a significant milestone in the expansion of specialised pediatric neurological care outside the metropolitan area, ensuring that more young Western Australians have access to crucial healthcare services.

At the heart of NeuroKids South West's offerings is a dedicated NeuroKids nurse, Tara Knapp, who brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her role. Tara will be responsible for providing neurological nursing assessments, clinical education, and ongoing monitoring of symptoms, medications, and mental health for children and young people with neurological conditions. Her work will include liaising with families and caregivers, offering guidance, and coordinating care to ensure a holistic approach to managing these complex conditions.

NeuroKids South West is generously funded by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, which has committed to supporting the program for the next three years. This funding complements the existing support from Telethon7 for the NeuroKids program in metropolitan WA, highlighting a collaborative effort to extend high-quality care across the state.

The new service aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility for families in the South West, providing comprehensive support and specialised care that is often challenging to access in regional areas.

Minister Punch, pictured left alongside Etta Palumbo (Neurological Council CEO), Pam Lewis and Professor Charles Watson (Neurological Council Board Members), praised the introduction of NeuroKids South West as a crucial enhancement to the region's healthcare services. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in a rapidly growing region like the South West, which is increasingly popular with young families. The new service will significantly reduce the need for families to travel long distances to access specialised care, thereby easing the burden on families and ensuring that children receive timely and appropriate treatment.

The NeuroKids program is designed to cater to a wide range of neurological conditions, including but not limited to epilepsy, brain tumors, and motor neurone disease. These conditions often require specialised management and continuous monitoring, which the NeuroKids nurses are equipped to provide.

Since the start of the program in the metropolitan area earlier this year, NeuroKids nurses have delivered 531 appointments and provided 573 hours of direct care from January to June. This level of engagement underscores the critical need for specialised pediatric neurological care and the positive impact of the program on the community.

The expansion of NeuroKids into the South West is a testament to NCWA's commitment to improving the lives of young people with neurological conditions across Western Australia. By bringing essential services closer to home, NCWA ensures that all children, regardless of their location, have access to the best possible care and support. This initiative not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of the region but also fosters a supportive community for families navigating the challenges of neurological conditions.

For more information about NeuroKids South West or to access the service, families and caregivers are encouraged to visit www.ncwa.com.au/Neuro-Kids or call 1800 645 771. The Neurological Council of WA remains dedicated to providing leadership, education, and support to those affected by neurological conditions, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives with the best possible care.

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