New program gives Parkinson's sufferers a voice

BY BONNIE ARMSTRONG         

A rehabilitation program in Newcastle has helped people battling Parkinson's Disease find their voice again. 

Rankin Park Day Hospital now offers 'Speak Out', a educational and individual therapy treatment to help those struggling with the speech and swallowing issues that come with Parkinson's Disease. 

The hospital is known for its Parkinson's groups and interventions, as they have some of the largest number of participants attending rehabilitation programs across the state. 

The department was recently awarded a grant from the non profit organisation, Parkinson Voice Project, which developed and directs the 'Speak Out' program, allowing three new clinicians to be trained to deliver the program to patients. 

Speech Pathologist Alexander Tait says says the program has given patients the ability to speak and swallow properly again.

"What this program has done has allowed people to re-strengthen and re-gain their ability to speak again, allowing them to be hard by their friends and family, and also allow them to improve their swallowing," Mr Tait said.

Rankin Park is the only public facility in the Hunter offering the program for free, allowing all members of the community who are struggling, the chance to find their voice. 

Mr Tait says the program is also accessible to those in outer Newcastle, via telehealth. 

"It's something that's never been available before in the Hunter, and is free of charge to people under New England Health Policy," Mr Tait said. 

"It's an evidence based credited program that is demonstrating results."

Outrageous Waiting Time For People With Parkinson's Disease

BY ELISE AKSNES

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison has given a Notice of Motion calling on the Health Minister to address the time people with Parkinson's disease have to wait for appointments at a Hunter New England Health Clinic.

Parkinson's is a degenerative disease of the nervous system with symptoms becoming progressively worse over time.

"Experts in the disease say that the day you find out you have Parkinson's you should start planning not just your health care plan, but also your finances and long-term living arrangements," said Ms Harrison.

A resident recently diagnosed has contacted the MP, saying he is very distressed and unsure of what his future holds.

The constituent has told Ms Harrison he had to wait eight months for a post-assessment appointment at the Parkinson's Clinic at New Lambton Heights.

"Eight months is an outrageous wait time which is leaving Parkinson's sufferers without the tools and knowledge to manage their disease," said Ms Harrison.

She is asking the Health Minister to take a look at the waiting time, "realise it is eight months and actively put in measures so people don't have to wait to get appointments."

Ms Harrison added that appointments at the Parkinson's Clinic are important to the people who have been diagnosed, to be able to manage the symptoms long-term.

Member of Charlestown, Jodie Harrison