Having a positive attitude, open mind and treating people with compassion and respect is how Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Alexa Jefferson approaches her role.
Alexa has worked in the Perron Institute clinic for 11 years, supporting the movement disorder and Parkinson’s clinics led by specialist neurologists Associate Professor Rick Stell and Clinical Professor Soumya Ghosh.
Originally from Lochmaben, a small rural village near Lockerbie in Scotland, Alexa qualified as a general nurse from Carlisle Hospital in 1986.
“I chose nursing as a career because I am a natural nurturer. I am also fascinated by the workings of the human body and have the desire to continue learning,” she said. “I moved to Perth with my family in 2007 for adventure, new opportunities and change of lifestyle.
“Working in the movement disorders field, I have been inspired by the doctors and the immense possibilities of providing various treatment and care options for our patients.
“My outpatient clinic role involves supporting our specialists in clinics, patient education and programming, and the maintenance of advanced device therapies that can regulate and reduce symptom severity, particularly tremor and other involuntary movements for Parkinson’s. They include Apomorphine, Duodopa and deep brain stimulation.”
Alexa has also been involved in clinical trials and research, including working with A/Professor Stell and Professor Ghosh to develop WA data for the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry.
“What I love about being at the Perron Institute is learning something new every day and working with a great team of people in a constantly evolving environment. I am privileged to know and care for the people I see in our clinic,” she said.
Alexa has gained extensive post-certificate training in specialist treatment and therapies, community care, and nurse education and training. Her professional memberships include the Australian College of Nursing, Movement Disorder Society and the Australian Neuroscience Nurses Association.
Alexa enjoys being with the Perth-based members of her family, including two sons and three grandchildren. She loves to keep fit running, swimming, cycling, doing Pilates and yoga, and spending time outdoors.
“In Scotland, I spent a lot of time horse riding, a passion I share with my daughter, Kenna, who has returned to Scotland to pursue a career in equestrian care and management,” she said.