[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hywel Dda and Betsi Cadwaladr each have one specialist nurse, Powys has none
Joyce Watson AM is backing a campaign for more epilepsy nurses in Wales, after learning that only two specialists cover Mid and West Wales.
There are just nine epilepsy specialist nurses looking after 26,000 adults with the condition in Wales. At least 88 are needed, according to the charity Epilepsy Action Cymru.
At an event held at the National Assembly for Wales on Wednesday (28 September), the Labour AM heard the condition, which affects around one person in every 94 in Wales, can be ‘confusing’ and ‘isolating’.
Health boards must work with government to tackle the shortfall, she said:
“In 2007 the Welsh Neuroscience External Expert Review Group recommended that Wales needed at least 88 epilepsy specialist nurses, based on a caseload of 300 patients each. Almost 10 years on, however, there are still just nine, only two in Mid and West Wales – Hywel Dda and Betsi Cadwaladr health boards each have one while Powys has none. Clearly, too many patient are missing out on the expert care and support that specialist nurses provide.”
Epilepsy specialist nurses promote good practice and act as a specialist resource in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with epilepsy. They manage clinics and offer people counselling, advice and discussion on all aspects of their condition. They also work between GP practices and hospitals, developing the knowledge of GPs and practice nurses.
For more information about the campaign: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/campaigns/epilepsy-nurses-wales[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
