Closed petition Improve health services for people with epilepsy living in Wales
We are concerned that the current services for people with epilepsy living in Wales are not providing people with the help and support they need.
Epilepsy Action recommends a caseload of no more than 250 people per Epilepsy Specialist Nurse (ESN), in order to minimise the effects of their condition and provide the best possible care. Currently no area in Wales is meeting this recommendation.
There is a lack of ESNs and waiting times to see neurologists are over 12 months in many areas.
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Increasing the number of ESNs in all health boards across Wales would help significantly improve access to services and the support that people with epilepsy receive.
ESNs are vital team members providing care to people with epilepsy. They work alongside consultant neurologists and other healthcare professionals to provide essential advice and support during and, as importantly, in-between appointments.
ESNs are often the first point of contact for people with epilepsy who require advice or support related to their condition and their contribution is invaluable. The crucial role of epilepsy specialist nurses in caring for and supporting people with epilepsy is set out in Epilepsy Action’s recent ESPENTE report https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/research/espente
In addition to increasing the number of ESNs, all epilepsy services in Wales need more funding to ensure that people with epilepsy receive the support and care they need.
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