Gloucestershire-based neurology advanced clinical practitioner Sarah Clifford, has been named National UK ESN Hero for her outstanding support to patients with epilepsy.
Numerous nominations for Sarah championed her for going above and beyond for her patients, always making time, and offering support, compassion and kindness while guiding people through what some describe as “the scariest time” of their lives.
The ESN Hero awards celebrate exemplary care and support for people with epilepsy by epilepsy specialist nurses (ESNs), as well as highlighting the essential role that ESNs play in the neurology team, helping to streamline care, taking pressure off busy clinicians, supporting patients with managing life with epilepsy, answering questions, managing changes and problems, and being a vital touchpoint for people.
As well as being the National winner, Sarah also won the regional ESN Hero award for the South West, alongside 11 other regional winners across the UK.
Maisie Meegan, engagement coordinator at Epilepsy Action, said: “Congratulations to Sarah on receiving the National UK ESN Hero award.
“Reading her nominations, it was clear what a keystone point of care she is for the people she supports. She goes the extra mile for her patients and it’s evident she makes a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of people with epilepsy.
“She is an example of the brilliant work that ESNs across the country do and the important value they add to the neurology team to take the pressure off clinicians and help people live a full and safe life with their epilepsy.
“We know that there are not enough ESNs to support the 630,000 people with epilepsy across the UK. An uneven spread of ESN roles around the country also creates a postcode lottery for patients and adds extra challenges for ESNs to deliver the care they want to.
“It makes it even more important to celebrate this essential role and the brilliant people working in it.”
ESN Hero nominations – “Genuinely changed my life”
Sarah’s nominations mention her going “above and beyond”, being “always there in times of need” and how she will “always make time”.
She has also supported patients around epilepsy surgery, which can be a worrying and confusing time.
One person said: “I would like to nominate my epilepsy nurse because the care, compassion and support she has shown me over the years have genuinely changed my life.
“Before my brain surgery in 2022, she gave me an incredible amount of support during what was the scariest time of my life.
“I was terrified of having the operation, and I honestly don’t think I would have gone through with it without her reassurance, encouragement and belief in me. She was there every step of the way, helping me face my fears and giving me the confidence I needed.
“She has always taken the time to listen, explain things clearly and make me feel like a person rather than just a patient.
“Her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication have had a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the difference she has made. She truly goes above and beyond, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition.”
Another said: “Sarah continuously goes the extra mile, always just checking in to make sure I’m keeping well and I know her team members can’t speak highly enough of her.”
“One of the greatest compliments I could receive”
On receiving the award, Sarah said: “I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honoured. As epilepsy nurses, we don’t do this job for recognition, so to know that patients and colleagues have taken the time to nominate me means a great deal.
“Reading the comments was particularly moving because they reminded me of the privilege we have in supporting people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. It was both humbling and rewarding to know that the care and support I have provided has made such a positive difference.
“This recognition means a great deal because it reflects the relationships we build with our patients and families over time. Epilepsy can have a significant impact on every aspect of a person’s life, and being recognised by those I have supported is incredibly meaningful.
“While the award has my name on it, it also reflects the dedication of the wider epilepsy and neurology team I work alongside every day. It reinforces why compassionate, person-centred care is so important.”
Sarah explained that her role as an advanced clinical practitioner gives her the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. “Epilepsy is often an invisible condition, but its impact can be far-reaching. As an epilepsy specialist, I can support people through diagnosis, treatment decisions, surgery pathways, recovery, and the day-to-day challenges that come with living with epilepsy.
“Being able to provide education, empowerment, and continuity of care while helping people achieve their goals is both a privilege and a responsibility that I value greatly.
“The aspect I enjoy most is building long-term relationships with patients and seeing the positive changes that can happen over time.
“Whether it’s helping someone gain seizure control, improving their confidence, or simply being there when they need advice and reassurance, it is incredibly rewarding to see people regain independence and quality of life. No two days are the same, and I feel privileged to be part of each person’s journey.
“To me, being an ESN Hero is not about being a hero at all; it’s about being present, listening, and supporting people when they need it most. It means advocating for patients, providing person-centred care, and treating everyone with dignity, compassion and respect.
“If patients feel heard, supported and empowered to live well with epilepsy, then I feel I have done my job. To be considered an ESN Hero by the people I care for is one of the greatest compliments I could receive.”
You can read more about the regional ESN Hero award winners on the Epilepsy Action website.
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