Peter Clough

I have a broad experience in epilepsy, working solely in the field since commencing employment at the David Lewis Centre 16 years ago. As Associate Specialist in Epilepsy, I was the clinical lead of David Lewis' busy adult assessment unit for many years, working additionally for the community arm of David Lewis, being clinically responsible for managing the care of those with complex epilepsy. My involvement in David Lewis' community services has increased latterly to accommodate the expansion of community provision.

In addition to my work for David Lewis, my services are commissioned from David Lewis by East Cheshire Trust Community Business Unit to provide epilepsy management for the area of East Cheshire. I work closely with GP commissioners, an epilepsy specialist nurse and managers in developing epilepsy services in the region. We have recently expanded the standard service to include a Suspected First Seizure Rapid Access Service. Whilst this service is in its infancy, the initial response appears to be positive. There are plans to expand this service to accommodate a transitional clinic, working in conjunction with a community paediatrician. My services are also commissioned from David Lewis by the Greater Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, to supplement their services in epilepsy. In this context, I hold epilepsy clinics at Salford Royal Hospital and Withington Community Hospital, working closely with epilepsy specialist nurses and hospital consultants. Some of this work involves ward referrals.

I am not actively engaged in research at present but past collaborative research interests, which lead to publications in peer reviewed journals, were in the misdiagnosis of epilepsy; the use of midazolam as epilepsy "rescue" medication and reversible Parkinsonism in patents exposed to valproate.

Working for David Lewis as part of a multidisciplinary team has given me the opportunity to develop my interest in managing epilepsy for those with various degrees of learning disability. This area of epilepsy management can be extremely challenging but often very rewarding.

I am a professional member of Epilepsy Action.