Movement Disorders Program

• Referral Form and Instructions

Neurology Clinic Requirements

• A medical referral
• Confirmed diagnosis (of Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s related disorder) or are seeking a second opinion on management
• Primary residence  within the Eastern Health catchment
• Ability to access the clinic for appointments

Clients who require a diagnosis of a Movement Disorder, please refer to Box Hill Hospital Movement Disorder Diagnostic Clinic

Clients who require a general neurology consultation, please refer to the Eastern Health Neurology Outpatients Unit.

Strategy Training Program Requirements

• Confirmed diagnosis (of Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s related disorder)
• Primary residence  within the Eastern Health catchment
• Be medically stable and have cognitive capacity to benefit from the program
• Ability to attend a series of centre-based appointments
• Require goal focused therapy (Parkinson’s Disease alone is not an adequate reason for referral to the Strategy Training Program)
• Require short term strategy training, education and advice (6-8 weeks)

Clients who reside in government funded Residential  Aged Care Facilities (aside from those in Supported Residential Services) cannot be referred to this clinic.

This program is not designed for clients who require reconditioning, maintenance therapy or rehabilitation.

There is a cost for our service, which we will explain to you when we call to discuss your treatment plan.

We understand that covering the cost of health can be hard, even if you received the service in a public hospital. If you are worried that you may not be able to pay, please contact the Patient Accounts team to talk through your situation.

Eastern Health Movement Disorders Program provides an interdisciplinary service that includes:

• Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Pathologists
• Social Worker
• Dietitian
• Neuropsychologist
• Neurologist

My client has Parkinson’s Disease / has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  Should I refer this client to the Movement Disorder Strategy Training Program?

Answer: A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in itself does not warrant a referral unless the condition is having an impact on the client’s functional ability.  Clients need to have achievable and realistic goals relating to their functional difficulties.

What is “strategy training”?

Answer: Strategy training is a short term 6 to 8 week program, providing education and support,  and different strategies (“tips and tricks”)  to manage the symptoms of the condition to improve the functioning and quality of life of clients and their families.