National charity Epilepsy Action has committed £150,000 to fund three new epilepsy specialist nurse posts in Wales. The charity announces its plans following today's launch of the Service Development Directive for Epilepsy by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The directive, which is the first of its kind in the UK, aims to ensure that action is taken to develop services more effectively across Wales for people living with the condition.
Epilepsy Action's pledge will help to deliver the new directive by funding the nurse posts as part of its well-established Sapphire Nurse Scheme. Three lots of £50,000 will be granted to cover the full first year of costs for these new posts. The charity is now inviting applications from health boards who can commit to employing the nurses for a minimum of three years.
Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive of Epilepsy Action, said: "The new directive is a groundbreaking document. Wales is truly leading the way in developing epilepsy services and Epilepsy Action wants to do everything it can to support it. By funding these nurse posts we hope to help the Welsh Assembly and health commissioners and providers make a real difference to the estimated 25,000 people in Wales living with the condition."
Phil Smith, consultant neurologist at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, said: "Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that can have a big impact on people's lives. It is high-time it got the recognition it deserves and I am delighted that the Welsh Assembly has committed to making such significant improvements to the care and treatment of people with the condition. Epilepsy Action's support of the directive is commendable and will be an important factor in driving service improvement."
Epilepsy Action is the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation. Last year alone, the charity directly helped over 686,500 people through a range of services, including its advice and information centre and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk.