A new layer of support for people living with neurological conditions
Thanks to funds raised by our community through Fluoro for Neuro, Tracks for Care and the 2026 Bendigo Ford Fun Run, the Bendigo Health Foundation has supported a new dedicated Neurology Nurse role at Bendigo Health.
The role provides patients with an additional layer of support throughout their neurological journey, including education, care coordination and connection to other services and resources.
Neurology Nurse Molly Kelly said the role will allow her to support patients from diagnosis through ongoing care.
“I can help patients and support them on their journey from diagnosis onwards. It will be a lifelong journey with a lot of monitoring and treatments, so I can coordinate all those things along with the neurologist.”
For people living with a neurological condition, navigating diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care can feel overwhelming. Molly said having a dedicated point of contact can relieve some of that stress.
“It’s a lifelong condition that needs a lot of support and access to other community resources. There can be a lot of questions, and it can be quite scary for people, so it’s about helping them feel less overwhelmed and more confident throughout their journey, so they can live how they want to live.”
The impact of the role is already being felt by patients.
“Recently a patient had some concerns and was going to go to ED, but instead of him going there, he was able to call me”
The role provides an ongoing point of contact for patients who see the neurologists at Bendigo Health, as well as for new patients referred into the service, helping bridge the gap between appointments and providing support when questions or concerns arise.
Funded entirely through community donations, the role is a powerful example of how local giving can create lasting change.
Molly said she was grateful for the opportunity to support the same community that had helped make her role possible.
“I’m incredibly grateful. I can now support the community that has supported me in this role, so that is fantastic. And we can help more regional people.”
This role demonstrates how community support can translate into practical, ongoing support for local patients.