A LEADING charity is urging MSP’s to sign up and support the implementation of new national guidelines for managing epilepsy in adults, due out this autumn.
Epilepsy Scotland chief executive, Lesslie Young, explained: “Thousands of hours have been devoted to reviewing current epilepsy research and expert clinical opinion.
“The result of all this collaborative work, undertaken by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), will be a revised guideline that sets the benchmark for the highest standards of care.
“If the guideline is put into practice in each health board area, this would help address the treatment gap where nearly two in ten people with epilepsy could become seizure-free if they received optimum care.
“We recognise that SIGN guidelines are not mandatory for NHS boards. However, the development of the forthcoming epilepsy guideline was conducted by a field of experts.
“In the same way as the Curriculum for Excellence aims to ensure that every child and young person reaches their full potential, so would the implementation of the new SIGN guideline give adults the very best diagnosis, treatment and management of their epilepsy.
“We are calling on MSP’s to help make this happen, especially when National Epilepsy Week this year is about transforming lives.”
MSP’s can sign up to SIGN and hold up a gold standard ticket at a National Epilepsy Awareness week group photo call in the Garden Lobby. \
This event is being held by the Epilepsy consortium Scotland (ECS) of which Epilepsy Scotland is a member.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
1. Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy to ensure
that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent 54,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information, text 07786 209501, email: enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk, find us on facebook or twitter @epilepsy_scot twitter or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
2. Epilepsy Scotland was invited to take part in the SIGN review of existing epilepsy guidelines for adults. These are currently being peer reviewed by experts, with updated guidelines based on research and best practice due out later on in the year.
3. An estimated 9,750 people with epilepsy could become seizure free if their condition was better managed. This would save the NHS around £2.36 million a year.
4. For more details of National Epilepsy Week, case studies, MSP Group photo, or the Epilepsy Consortium Scotland please call: Allana Parker, public affairs officer, 07884 012 147.
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Contact: Allana Parker
