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1/9 As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic Epilepsy Action has brought together a coalition of clinicians, professional groups and patient organisations to ensure that people with epilepsy do not face additional risks during this challenging time.
2/9 Recent work carried out by NHS RightCare sets out that “People with epilepsy are at increased risk of dying suddenly and prematurely. Nearly half of these unexpected deaths are potentially avoidable, with improved access to information, services and better risk management.”
3/9 As we move past the initial phase of the pandemic, epilepsy health services remain limited in some places and emergency admissions for people with suspected epilepsy continue to be lower than normal. This means that some people with epilepsy still face increased risks
4/9 In response, we have put together a consensus statement setting out three clear asks of the health service. These asks are strictly time limited and are being reviewed in line with government and NHS plans. The three asks in the statement are as follows:
5/9 1. People with suspected first seizures must have access to a consultation with a clinician with expertise in epilepsy and to appropriate diagnostic tests
6/9 2. People with epilepsy (PWE) and parents/carers should be able to contact neurology services if they have problems, and a plan to respond should be in place.
7/9 3. Epilepsy clinical staff who were moved to different roles during COVID-19 should be prioritised for going back to epilepsy services. You can read the full statement here: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/sites/epilepsy/files/Optimising_epilepsy_healthcare_during_COVID19_%20pandemic_consensus_statement.pdf
8/9 The best way to ensure that people with epilepsy receive the care and support they need is by having access to the full range of epilepsy health services. We are urging national and regional health leaders to prioritise epilepsy in their plans for restarting health services.
9/9 We are also reminding health leaders of the much-needed work done before the pandemic around what good epilepsy health services look like. National and regional health leaders should use this opportunity to improve epilepsy health services for the future.
