Bold truth: early-onset Parkinson’s turned Jessica Zammit’s life upside down at just 43, and the journey since then has reshaped how she faces daily challenges—and what support looks like.
When she first learned she had Parkinson’s in 2021, she describes a sudden, dizzying shift in everything she knew about herself and her future. Over time, though, that shift has begun to soften as she built a support network that helps her stay independent. With guidance from a Parkinson’s specialist nurse, Zammit—now 47—feels a new sense of autonomy that she didn’t have at diagnosis. “What a Parkinson’s nurse provides is different from what doctors offer,” she explains. “They help me adapt to changes and preserve my independence.”
The Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists Service, launched by The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG) in 2022, was created to address a growing care gap for South Australians living with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Australia data show South Australia has the highest per-capita prevalence in the country, with more than 7,000 residents affected. THRFG notes that this number is projected to double over the next 15 years. Since the service began, specialist nurses have delivered one-on-one support to more than 2,500 clients, offering guidance on medical appointments, education, and practical needs assessments for patients and carers alike.
Zammit is preparing for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery on February 25, having recently paused her medication to get ready. DBS involves implanting electrodes in the brain to alleviate symptoms that have worsened over time. She recalls the moment she heard about DBS as “the stomach-dropping, head-spinning” news that can bring tears. In those overwhelming moments, having a Parkinson’s nurse by her side in appointments has been invaluable, helping process complex information and easing the emotional load.
Looking ahead, Zammit hopes the nursing program will expand to reach more people in rural areas, not just the city. She acknowledges that rural residents often struggle to access the same level of care and envisions nurses playing a bigger role in bridging that gap.
This week, the South Australian government and THRFG announced a four-year co-funding agreement that includes a $2.5 million government boost for the service. THRFG CEO Professor Paul Flynn described the nurse specialists as “invaluable” for people with Parkinson’s and their families. An independent evaluation found meaningful benefits: annual gains of about $1,197 per person with Parkinson’s and healthcare savings of roughly $1,569 per client. The new funding ensures continued access to specialized, one-on-one care across the state at no cost to patients.
Health Minister Chris Picton emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment, noting that many people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions aren’t getting the support they need. Services like this reduce the burden of travel to GPs or hospitals and bring expert care closer to home for South Australians.
Do you think expanding nurse-led, community-based Parkinson’s care is the most effective way to support patients? What other approaches would you add to ensure equitable access for rural communities—and should similar programs be mirrored in other states or countries? Share your thoughts below.
