Clinical networks in England announced
In a significant step forward for neurology services, the NHS Commissioning Board has announced that neurology will be included as one of the initial Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) in England.
News
Many of the key NHS changes are not including specific steps to address many neurological conditions - report
Last week the Neurological Alliance in England launched its new report: “Intelligent Outcomes: Applying the health and social care reforms to improve outcomes for people with neurological conditions.”
Statement on 'Titanic' film
When the film Titanic was released in 1998 it caused problems for some people with photosensitive epilepsy. This was due to a scene which contained flickering lights. The film is being re-released this weekend. Epilepsy Action contacted 20th Century Fox to ask if anything was being done to make people aware of this. A spokesperson told us that they have alerted cinemas to the problem. They have advised cinemas that warnings should be present to inform cinema-goers.
Stand up for epilepsy
An exciting new project to bring together sport stars and young people with epilepsy has been launched by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
Comment on Personal Independence Payments, benefits and people with epilepsy, 18 January 2012
Epilepsy can affect individuals in many ways and there are over 40 different types of seizures. People with epilepsy experience the condition in a way which is very unique to them and the support they need will vary greatly. This means that many people with epilepsy will not need to apply for benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.
Letter to the Times, 9 January 2012
Our chief executive Philip Lee is one of the people who signed a letter appearing in The Times newspaper today.
It talks about the importance of shared decision making and asks the UK government to define and prioritise ‘patient involvement’ in the new Health and Social Care Bill.
Sir,
Take epilepsy action: do you have contacts?
For the next part of our UK-wide Take Epilepsy Action campaign, we are looking at how we can work with businesses, industries and institutions. We want to reach even more people with our epilepsy and first-aid information.
Our members and supporters are our network around the UK. And we know that many of you are involved in different activities and groups, and have many personal and professional contacts.
‘GP’ magazine: retigabine availability
An investigation carried out by ‘GP’ magazine has found that retigabine has been ‘black listed’ by one primary care trust. This is Lincolnshire Prescribing and Clinical Effectiveness Forum (part of NHS Lincolnshire primary care trust).
You can read about the investigation on the ‘GP’ magazine website, here. http://www.gponline.com/News/article/1105156/Exclusive-PCTs-blacklist-dr...
Increasing seizure awareness for UK police officers
A new project is underway to improve the knowledge of epilepsy and different seizures among police officers. This is part of the Take epilepsy action campaign, launched in September.
European Written Declaration on Epilepsy is adopted by the European Parliament
The Written Declaration on Epilepsy (22-2011) has been passed by the European Parliament.
The Declaration was submitted by the ‘European Advocates for Epilepsy’ and ‘Epilepsy Advocacy Europe’. This is a joint task force of the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy.