It is hoped treatment and support for those with neurological conditions could be improved by the creation of Western Australia’s inaugural Neurological Health Strategy (WANHS).
According to WA Health the strategy, which aims to provide strategic direction to enhance care delivery for people affected by neurological conditions, will be the first delivered Australia-wide.
Such conditions which affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and/or muscles often have lifelong impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
They are a leading cause of disease burden in Australia and there are more than 600 different neurological conditions with a variety of causes.
The strategy will focus on neurological conditions affecting both children and adults that are currently not addressed in other policy areas. Given there are existing strategies and initiatives covering dementia and stroke, these conditions will not be included.
It seeks to identify and close gaps in care, strengthen support systems, and enhance overall health outcomes. One in three West Australians are affected by a neurological condition
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In September 2025, Neurological Alliance Australia released a National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions in which it called for the Australian and state and territory governments to take urgent and strategic action to recognise, prioritise and support people with neurological conditions.
“Despite their growing prevalence, neurological conditions have not received the same attention or investment as other disease groups,” the plan stated.
“This systemic oversight is contributing to increasing disability, preventable hospitalisations, and unsustainable costs across the health, aged care, and disability sectors.”
The plan noted that services were often limited, fragmented, and not embedded within national health policy or strategic frameworks, which it said resulted in “major gaps in care and equity”.
WA Health Director General Dr Shirley Bowen said the neurological strategy would guide future service planning, policy development and access to care for people across the state.
“This strategy strengthens the support available to Western Australians living with neurological conditions by ensuring care is better connected, easier to navigate and informed by the needs of patients and their families,” she said.
Dr Bowen said the strategy would be informed by patients and carers via a public online survey and a series of targeted consultations, which would identify current strengths, challenges and future priorities for neurological care.
“Consultation is a critical first step to understand how services are currently delivered, where the gaps exist, and how we can better meet the needs of patients and their families into the future,” she said.
Parkinson’s WA chief executive Yasmin Naglazas has been invited to join the WANHS Advisory Group. In this role, Ms Naglazas will help guide the planning and development of the state-wide strategy, contributing sector expertise and leadership to shape better outcomes.
“This strategy represents an important step forward in addressing unmet needs and building a more inclusive, responsive health system,” she said.
The final Western Australian Neurological Health Strategy is expected to be delivered by mid-2027.
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