Ena Bingham

For the past 11 years I have been a Sapphire Epilepsy Nurse Specialist in Northern Ireland. My interest in epilepsy began when I was the Sister-in-charge of the Regional Neurology Ward in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. During my time in the ward I nursed patients with different neurological conditions and developed a particular interest in patients with epilepsy. I realised that a person with epilepsy and their families require a lot of support and help to cope with the diagnosis of epilepsy.

My aim would be to help them achieve the best possible control of their seizures and have abetter quality of life. Working in a dual setting of hospital and community has created a better understanding of the condition for me and reinforces my belief that epilepsy is both a medical and social condition

I have worked in partnership with Epilepsy Action in Northern Ireland which is a unique arrangement that is beneficial to both patients with epilepsy and professionals alike. I believe that Epilepsy Action has a major role in supporting and educating people with epilepsy and the public about the condition and also campaigning for better care and management

I have been involved with the development of a telemedicine service in Northern Ireland for epilepsy patients in rural areas and run nurse led clinics using telemedicine I have presented several papers on “nurse led clinics using telemedicine” in the UK and further a field.

I feel my experience would be beneficial to the Council of Management of Epilepsy Action and look forward to my role as a trustee.