This month’s Epilepsy Star award winner is Professor Charlotte Lawthom, who is being recognised for the exceptional care she provides her patients as a consultant neurologist. Charlotte was nominated by her colleague, Sian, who says Charlotte’s passion has inspired her to strive to go the extra mile in her own work too.
“Charlotte is extremely passionate about the care she provides to patients and has inspired me ever since the first day of working with her. I have seen her make a real difference to the lives of patients with epilepsy – she always goes above and beyond.
“As well as her clinical duties, Charlotte also goes the extra mile and helps patients outside of work. She signposts them to other services, provides them with information leaflets, as well as spending time outside of work discussing patients with other healthcare professionals to support their care. She ensures all factors are considered in her patients care, including mood, sleep, work schedule and stressful life events.
“Charlotte does so much that goes wider than her role as a consultant. Charlotte has is passionate about research and published widely on epilepsy topics including SUDEP, medication safety and patient-reported outcomes and she regularly speaks on improving quality of life for people with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.”
“I had the privilege of Charlotte taking time out of her busy work schedule to train me. She allowed me to shadow her clinics and see patients under her supervision. She always takes times to discuss interesting cases with me for my learning and development.
“Charlotte has worked closely with Epilepsy Action and many of her patients say they’ve benefited hugely from the Epilepsy Action counselling service in Wales.
“Charlotte’s enthusiasm and passion has inspired me and I have in turn become passionate about epilepsy and SUDEP, trying to support patients where I can outside of an epilepsy clinic setting. Thank you Professor Lawthom for inspiring me.”
Upon accepting her award, Charlotte said:
“I am humbled and delighted to be recognised. I learn from all of my patients, and my colleagues. Patients are partners in a health journey. Collaboration with both patients and colleagues is not only a necessity, it’s a joy.”
Chantal Spittles, PR & Media Manager at Epilepsy Action said: “We’re so pleased to give this award to Professor Lawthom, who has made an incredible impact on her patients and epilepsy care in Wales.
“She has many remarkable achievements in the epilepsy field including her wide range of published papers, leading talks in the field and of course, setting up the first Open Access epilepsy service in the UK which has improved accessibility for so many patients.
“Professor Lawthom’s passion and dedication is admirable, and it’s so lovely to hear how her enthusiasm is inspiring others. We’re so pleased to see Healthcare professionals being recognised by others in the field, and it’s always a privilege for Epilepsy Action to shine a light on those on the frontline of epilepsy care.”
