1997
The International Organisation of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) was established at the Consortium of MS Centres’ meeting in Canada. Kaye Cameron from Australia attended that meeting and became one of the founding IOMSN Board members.
History
1998
MS Nurses Australia (MSNA) is established by Kaye Cameron and Judy Wollin. Members include RN’s caring for people with MS, nurses practising in hospitals, community settings and care facilities around Australia.
1999
MSNA became an official affiliate with IOMSN. Members of MSNA are recognised as members of IOMSN, acquiring all the benefits of IOMSN membership.
2001
Membership grew to 55 and MSNA is registered as an Incorporated Body with Queensland Fair Trading Board.
- Judy Wollin and Kaye Hooper (nee Cameron) co-wrote a one semester unit ‘Nursing the person with MS’. The subject became a course offering at Queensland University of Technology from July 2001
- Combined meeting of IOMSN and International Federation of MS Societies (IFMSS) held in Melbourne Australia
- Australian Neuroscience Nurses Association (ANNA) conference is held at Fraser Island. A paper is presented by MSNA Board officers
2002
MSNA is publicised as a ‘New Network for Australia’s MS Nurses’ throughout Australian MS Societies.
2003
Inaugural MSNA Annual Conference is held in Brisbane Australia. Harriet Chan establishes ‘Certificate of Multiple Sclerosis Nursing’ course offered at Curtain University and WA Department of Health.
2004
Australian MS Nursing Manual 1st edition launched.
2005
“Nursing the person with MS” course commenced at Griffith University.
2006
Victorian based MS Health Professionals Network (MSHPN) becomes an official affiliate of MSNA. ‘Certificate of MS Nursing’ offered at Curtin University and WA Department of Health.
2008
Australian MS Nursing Manual 2nd edition is launched. Launch of MSNA Inc website.
2009
MS Nurses Australia Inc becomes MS Nurses Australasia Inc to recognise the significant partnership, contribution and collaboration with our New Zealand colleagues. MSNA Inc would warmly welcome new members from Asia-Pacific MS Nurses.
2011
MS Nurse of the Year Award is launched.
2017
Overall Best Presentation award renamed in honour of Louise Kurczycki.
2021 / 22
The MS Nurse Care in Australia Report by MS Australia, in collaboration with the Menzies Institute for Medical Research and MS Nurses Australasia (MSNA) explores the patterns of access to MS Nurses in Australia and the impact on health outcomes for people living with MS.
2022
Six MSNA Members are Honoured by MS Australia, celebrating it’s 5oth Anniversary, with the MS Australia President’s Medal for their significant contribution to MS Care through their Nursing careers.
Belinda Bardsley, Sharon Barlow, Louise Hatter, Kaye Hooper & Tim O’Maley.
Our sixth awardee has asked to remain anonymous.
2023
Dr Therese Burke is honoured for her significant service to medicine, particularly multiple sclerosis research, and to nursing, by being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
MSNA Nurses are strongly supported by MS Australia who highlight on the important role of MS Nursing in their World MS Day Campaign – MS Nurses – Life Changing Care, supporting the MS Nurse Care in Australia Report and lobbying federal and state governments for additional funding and resources. https://www.msaustralia.org.au/nurses/