MANY MSPs and Ministers are promoting National Epilepsy Week (17-23 May) and activities include cover signing published revised SIGN national guidance on managing epilepsy in adults.
Says a spokesperson: “MSPs will hold up the SIGN cover in a Garden Lobby group photo, held by the Epilepsy Consortium Scotland (ECS), following First Minister’s Question Time on Thursday 21 May.
“Parliamentarians can also pledge their support to a World Health Organisation global resolution, being debated this week, for member states to develop national epilepsy plans.
“Free epilepsy awareness taster sessions are also available for MSPs and their staff.”
Epilepsy Consortium Scotland chair, Phil Robinson, remarked: “We hope all MSPs and their local NHS boards will welcome and adhere to the latest SIGN guideline.
“It is, after all, the gold standard in epilepsy care.
“Nearly 50,000 adults have epilepsy across Scotland and the implementation of latest SIGN guidelines when they are launched on 18 June 2015 is an important step to further improve their healthcare.
“Studies have shown seven in ten people with epilepsy could become seizure free with optimum management and treatment.
“This revised guidance can play a vital part in addressing this treatment gap and improving services here over the next decade.”
Phil Robinson continued: “We have invited MSPs to endorse the World Health Organisation resolution asking member states to consider the development of a national epilepsy plan.
“Part of the Consortium’s current work has been mapping epilepsy services in Scotland to see where the gaps are.
“Our findings are going to be a useful tool for agencies when they are planning future provision.
“MSPs are actively being urged to raise awareness by vowing to do something for epilepsy in the next 12 months. So far, 24 MSPs have signed up including the First Minister. We hope more will follow her example!”
ENDS
Notes to editor
- Photos: Ministers and MSPs will take part in a photo call on Thursday 21 May at 12.30pm in the Garden Lobby after First Minister’s Question Time.
- The Epilepsy Consortium Scotland (ECS) is an umbrella body aiming to bring issues concerning an estimated 54,000 people living in the country with epilepsy to the attention of policy makers and the Scottish Government. It also offers an important channel for comprehensive feedback on what is happening in the field of epilepsy at a local and national level. ECS acts as a collective voice for the wider epilepsy community in Scotland. Epilepsy Scotland is a member of the Consortium. Current membership details at: www.epilepsyconsortiumscotland.co.uk
- SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) will hold an implementation meeting on 18 June 2015 to launch the revised SIGN guidance: SIGN 143, Diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults. It will be attended by NHS board personnel. The ECS mapping epilepsy services findings are available on request. The World Health Organisation resolution EB136.R8 is due for debate during National Epilepsy Week
- For twitter supporters the hashtag is #epilepsyweek and ECS exhibition
- For details of ECS or for photos of MSPs please contact: Allana Parker: 07884 012 147 E: enquiries@epilepsyconsortiumscotland.co.uk
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Epilepsy Scotland contact details…
Contact: Allana Parker
Phone: 07884012147
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.www.epilepsyconsortiumscotland.co.uk
