NURSING THE NIGHTINGALES

NURSING THE NIGHTINGALES OF OUR NURSING GENERATION International Nurses Day was Sunday May 12 this year and MSWA took the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our nurses do for the people we serve – those living with MS and other neurological conditions. The Day is celebrated around the world on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, the pioneer of nursing known mostly for her trailblazing figure in nursing, for greatly affecting 19th and 20th century policies around proper nursing care. Similarly, to Miss Nightingale’s status is Senior Community Access Nurse Nimisha Baird, who helps lead the way in ensuring safe healthcare in our south west facilities. Nimisha is part of our 38 person MSWA nursing team who provide a level of care that not only recognises specific needs but provides support to carers and families as well – in the home, community, hospitals, and in our MSWA facilities. “International Nurses Day recognises the contribution nurses make in helping people achieve a fulfilling life despite disability,” said Nimisha. “We are the first port of contact when someone is diagnosed with a neurological condition, so part of our role is to provide reassurance and support, as well as to care for them (and carer/family) on both a physical and emotional level.” Nimisha also added that the nurses of MSWA provide a holistic approach to nursing care. “It’s a balance of looking after the mind, body and spirit. We teach the newly diagnosed to adapt to life with a condition – to live without impacting life in a negative way. We help improve their outlook and quality of life.” MSWA thanks our nurses for all that they do, today and every day. 22

VOLUNTEERING VOLUNTEER UPDATE DAWN BURKE COORDINATOR OF VOLUNTEERS Hello to you all! 2019 started off quietly and then bang – the race was on again. February and March were busy with trying to fill volunteer positions for our beautiful new Butler facility. I had the privilege of visiting the new facility and I must say; it is beautifully done. A big shout out and a warm welcome back message to all our volunteers and Members, I look forward to another year together. I would like to welcome new volunteers to the MSWA family. I have received many calls and emails from people wanting to share their valuable time with us and it is great to have you all on board, whether you are new or not. Some are here for a short time and there are many who just keep keeping on. MSWA is truly thankful for every one of you and appreciates any time you give to assist us in helping people living with MS and other neurological conditions. Camps have started again, and we are always looking for volunteers to assist. The camps run over four days, Monday to Thursday and, depending on the location, it may involve a sleep over with us or joining us during the day if preferred. If you would like more information regarding volunteering on camps, or know of anyone who may be interested, please contact me. Alternatively, if you would like to go on a camp, as a Member or carer, please contact Sumit Sandhu, Camp Coordinator on 9365 4843. In May we celebrated Volunteer Week with our annual luncheons in Perth and Bunbury, where we presented some awards acknowledging a handful of volunteers. Ros Harman, Board Director spoke on the diverse roles played by our volunteers, from our Board Directors, through to those helping with events, in the gardens, our kitchens and Outreach Groups; everyone doing invaluable work and making a real difference. Please remember, what you do is important, valued and appreciated. I trust this Bulletin finds you well and I hope to catch up with you at some point this year. MSWA wouldn’t be the organisation it is today without the ongoing assistance of our volunteers. Your contributions add value to the lives of those we serve, and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. Until next time! 23