Each year on 21 June, Global Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness Day shines a spotlight on the profound impact of MND – a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. The day is an important opportunity to raise awareness, foster understanding, and recognise the strength and resilience of people living with MND, as well as the families, carers and healthcare professionals who support them.
At Northern Health, supporting people living with MND is a commitment grounded in compassion, collaboration and person-centred care.
Northern Health’s Progressive Neurological Disorders Clinic is one of only three specialist clinics of its kind in Victoria, providing dedicated support to patients living with MND and other progressive neurological conditions. Operating under Hospital without Walls and based at Bundoora Centre, the clinic delivers highly coordinated multidisciplinary care designed to support patients and families through every stage of their journey.
The clinic brings together a highly skilled team of neurology, respiratory and palliative care specialists, alongside nurses and allied health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and social workers. Together, they work collaboratively to ensure care is tailored to each individual’s changing needs, helping patients maintain comfort, dignity and quality of life.
The impact of this care is reflected in the heartfelt feedback shared by patients and families.
One patient described the clinic as “brilliant,” sharing, “I cannot find fault in anything the clinic has done. Clinic days are always organised, efficient and I would have to say the clinic is brilliant.”
Another patient reflected on the compassion shown by staff, saying, “We always feel listened to and everyone we come into contact with are professional and caring.”
Families have also spoken about the positivity and empathy demonstrated by the team during incredibly challenging circumstances. One patient shared, “The team members that have been allocated to my case are extremely positive and polite. That means the world to me and my wife.”
Another simply described the clinic team as, “Amazing staff.”
Behind every appointment, conversation and care plan is a team committed not only to clinical excellence, but to ensuring patients and families feel supported, heard and cared for.
On Global MND Awareness Day, Northern Health proudly acknowledges the dedication of staff working within the Progressive Neurological Disorders Clinic and stands alongside all those affected by MND. We also honour the legacy of advocates like Neale Daniher, whose courage and determination continue to inspire hope, compassion and progress in the fight against MND.
Pictured in featured image: MND patient, Hazmir Mohamadan.