Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland
Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland was formally launched at the Long Gallery in Stormont – home to the Northern Ireland Assembly – on Monday 4 July. June Massey, Chair of Council of Management, Philip Lee, Epilepsy Action Chief Executive and Dr Jim Morrow, chair of the Northern Ireland National Advisory Council all attended the event. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were in session in Stormont that day and a few joined us to mark the occasion.
Ena Bingham, Epilepsy Sapphire Nurse Northern Ireland has received an MBE for her service to people with epilepsy in Northern Ireland – congratulations Ena!
The Joint Epilepsy Council has awarded £2,000 for campaigning work in Northern Ireland. We plan to develop an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Epilepsy when the Northern Ireland Assembly returns after the summer recess. We also have plans to meet with political researchers from different parties and continue with our approaches to the Health Committee for better services.
I represent Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland on the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance. We have been involved in work with the Public Health Agency here on a neurological conditions network survey. This will encourage people to ‘speak out for change’ in designing future services.
The Alliance has also been in discussions with the Belfast Trust regarding the reduction in neurology beds at the Royal Hospital. Local branches continue to highlight gaps in services for people with epilepsy in different trust areas. Members of Foyle Branch attended a recent meeting (as observers) between a local Parents Group and the Western Health and Social Care Trust on services for disabled children in the region.
This is a busy time in Northern Ireland!
Epilepsy Action Cymru
Look out for an update of Epilepsy Action Cymru in our next edition.
If you would like to get involved in any of our campaigns contact campaigns@epilepsy.org.uk or 0113 210 8800.
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