A fairer future for epilepsy
URGENT NEED FOR CHANGE
When someone has a seizure, the last thing they should do is face uncertainty about getting the care they need or how long they will have to wait.
Yet every day we hear from people across Wales who are doing their best to manage a serious condition while navigating delays and gaps in support.
1 in 88 people in Wales has epilepsy – higher than England or Scotland. And yet poor access, deprivation and geography are creating avoidable risk and inequality, costing Wales £100m a year.
With the right commitment, the next government can ensure epilepsy care is consistent, timely and be there when people need it most.
Our five key priorities highlight the key issues people are facing and the solutions we want them to commit to deliver a fairer future for people with epilepsy.
PRIORITY 1
Guarantee timely access to specialist care
Introduce a clear waiting time guarantee for epilepsy referrals and invest in backlog recovery so no one waits unnecessarily following a seizure.
PRIORITY 2
Strengthen the epilepsy workforce
Increase the number of epilepsy specialist nurses and ensure every Health Board has dedicated epilepsy experts.
PRIORITY 3
Ensure rapid access to mental health support
Guarantee screening and access to counselling within six weeks for newly diagnosed patients.
PRIORITY 4
Address inequality in rural and deprived communities
Introduce community epilepsy hubs, mobile clinics and target outreach to reduce geographic disadvantage.
PRIORITY 5
Strengthen primary care pathways
Ensure every GP practice follows national epilepsy guidance with clear referral routes and appropriate training.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections, we are asking all Members to pledge to commit to:
- Understanding what needs to change for people living with epilepsy
- Championing epilepsy services during the next Senedd.
- Meeting with people affected by epilepsy in their constituencies to understand their lived experience.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
You can ask your parliamentary candidates to get behind our calls and support people with Epilepsy by:
- Emailing our manifesto to them and sharing why, from your own experience, they should support it
- Asking for their support at local hustings or when they come to your door
- Ask them to like and sharing our social media posts
