Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland welcomes the Regional Review of Neurology Services in Northern Ireland and urges the Department of Health to take urgent action to address the serious challenges facing people with epilepsy.
The review’s recommendations will shape neurology services through to 2035, and our own evidence has fed into the consultation via the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance (NINCA).
Following its publication, Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland endorses NINCA’s response and highlights the need for clear commitments on:
- How new services will be funded and sustainably resourced.
- Timelines for recruiting and training the specialist staff required.
- The development of a detailed and urgently needed epilepsy care pathway.
Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurological condition in Northern Ireland – with the highest prevalence across both the UK and Republic of Ireland – affecting around 22,000 people locally. Yet, people with epilepsy face some of the biggest disparities in specialist nurse provision, with just 14.1 whole-time equivalent Epilepsy Specialist Nurses (ESNs) compared to the 34.2 needed to meet population demand.
We welcome several recommendations in the review, including:
- The creation of specialist epilepsy clinics in every Health and Social Care Trust. At present, a postcode lottery means that patients in the Northern Trust area have no access at all to such clinics.
- The trial of patient-initiated follow-ups to give patients more control over their care.
- Investment in neuropsychology services to provide vital mental health support.
- Increased capacity in neuroscience beds.
- Investment in neuropharmacy to address the complexity of epilepsy medicines – including safe prescribing and monitoring of sodium valproate.
- Additional GP training to improve epilepsy management in the community, alongside the funding and support required to make this sustainable.
Carla Smyth, Manager at Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland, said:
“Epilepsy is one of the most common and serious neurological conditions, but people here continue to experience delayed diagnosis, patchy services, and avoidable health risks. The postcode lottery in epilepsy care must end.
“We particularly welcome proposals for specialist epilepsy clinics in each Trust, more epilepsy nurses, better access to mental health and pharmacy expertise, and extra GP training. But these must be matched with clear, funded plans and timelines.
“People with epilepsy need timely access to diagnosis, treatment, emergency medication, and ongoing support – no matter where they live. The Department of Health must now turn these recommendations into urgent action.”