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 Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Nurse Coordinator 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.
Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology 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. A neuroimmunological diagnosis can be confronting and often requires ongoing monitoring and disease modifying therapy. My role is to provide coordination, guidance and support to help people live well with their condition.”
The impact of the role is already being felt by patients.
“Recently, a patient experienced concerning symptoms and was considering attending the Emergency Department. Instead, they were able to contact me directly, allowing them to receive timely advice and support, organise investigations, and avoid an unnecessary hospital visit.”
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 for the support that made this role possible. Being able to support people living with neuroimmunological conditions in our region and help improve access to specialised care closer to home, is incredibly rewarding.”
This role demonstrates how community support can translate into practical, ongoing support for local patients.