Thursday, 4 May 2023

Epilepsy Foundation and Fight Parkinson’s

David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:27): (126) My question is for the Minister for Health, represented by Minister Blandthorn, and relates to the Epilepsy Foundation and Fight Parkinson’s. 123,000 Victorians live with either epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease. The Epilepsy Foundation and Fight Parkinson’s are vital peak bodies providing essential secondary health services and supports that reduce the burden of these diseases, including death, disability and diminished quality of life, and importantly reduce the high impact of these diseases on the Victorian health system. Their services include one-on-one support, responding to specialist healthcare professionals, education and training for patients and families, assistance with management plans, and capacity building and peer support. I ask: will the minister ensure their continued funding into the next financial year?

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services) (12:28): Thank you, Mr Ettershank, for that question. It is a very important question. I have a friend who is a young mother who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so I appreciate you asking the question. I know it is a particularly important issue to you as well. I will be more than happy to refer it to the health minister for a response.

David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:28): Thank you, Minister, for your response. Like many, many Victorians, we have all been touched by neurodegenerative conditions, and I appreciate your response. By way of supplementary, though, I note that services delivered by the Epilepsy Foundation and Fight Parkinson’s reduce accident and emergency presentations and hospital admissions. Prevention is clearly better for the patient and preferential for a clearly overburdened hospital and health system, so I ask: is this a factor in the minister’s decision-making?

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services) (12:29): Thank you, Mr Ettershank, again for your supplementary question. I will be pleased to pass it to the Minister for Health.