Collaboration, education and support are important for Perron Institute clinic multiple sclerosis specialist nurse Denise (Dee) Menzies.
Denise has extensive experience in the field of MS. “I aim to provide a collaborative and supportive service between the treating neurologists and people living with MS and their families,” she said.
“Part of my role involves facilitating and leading informal meetings for newly diagnosed patients with MS. These sessions help to ensure a supportive and empowering relationship between them and their medical professionals.
“My intention is to ensure a smooth process for patients receiving therapy by providing ongoing collaboration between metro and regional hospital infusion suites. As well, I provide education and support to allied health, medical teams and patients on hospital wards.”
Soon after arriving from the UK in 2009, Denise was employed by MSWA as an MS hospital liaison nurse, working firstly in the MS clinic at Royal Perth Hospital, then at the Perron Institute in 2011, and becoming fully employed by the Institute in 2019.
“It has been wonderful to see the MS clinics at the Institute grow and provide such a comprehensive service. I’m proud to be working with some of the best specialists in our field in Western Australia,” Denise said.
Denise trained as a registered nurse at Brighton University, England, specialising in Neurosurgery and Neurology, qualifying in 2001. She went on to achieve postgraduate qualifications in Neuroscience (2003) and MS Nursing (2013), followed by an international MS clinical nurse qualification from the International Organisation of MS Nurses in 2017.
In 2015, she was recognised as MS Nurse of the Year Australasia for her outstanding contribution to MS Nursing.
In her spare time, Denise enjoys reading, crafts and relaxing with her family, including exploring WA in a caravan with her husband. She also has a small hobby business called Sweet Florrie & Co, making candles, diffusers and room sprays.