The Northern  Territory Memory Clinic, a vital part of the program offered in support of people living with dementia and carers in the NT, is in dire straits. The memory clinic is presently supported by a .5 part-time doctor –  with the other half of the position supporting the geriatric program at Palmerston Regional Hospital.

Three specialist nurses support the memory clinic. One full-time NT-funded position will remain unchanged. The Commonwealth currently funds two positions through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and this funding is being cut from July 1.

Staff curtailment will mean that memory clinic support services to the Katherine and Nhulunbuy areas will cease, along with visits to people under the care-at-home program in Darwin and Palmerston.

The Memory Clinic centre and staff support an ever-growing number of clients. Services need to be expanded, not curtailed