24.09.12
Child epilepsy care varies in the UK – RCPCH
Children with epilepsy do not get the care they need in many parts of the country, according to a new report.
The first national audit of epilepsy services for young people shows that children receive ‘variable’ care for epilepsy across the country. The report was published by a consortium of over 40 organisations, led by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and stated that there were significant “gaps” between recommended practice and delivered practice.
Two in five children do not see a paediatric neurologist when it is necessary and 91 of the 193 units that were assessed did not employ a specialist epilepsy nurse. Only 65% of children had an appropriate first assessment and 35% did not have a complete first assessment.
The audit report stated: “All services without an epilepsy specialist nurse should create new posts to ensure adequate care. Units where many children with epilepsy are not having input from an epilepsy specialist nurse should improve their care pathways and epilepsy specialist nurse provision.”
Paediatrician and report author Dr Colin Dunkley said there had been significant steps forward, but added: “There are certain areas that need to be improved if we’re to give children and young people the best possible medical treatment and ongoing care to help manage their epilepsy and maximise their learning and quality of life.”
Royal College of Nursing chief executive and general secretary Dr Peter Carter said it was a “matter of profound concern” that children could not access good treatment all across the country.
He said: “The recommendation that all children have access to a specialist nurse is there for a reason – the nurse can offer an unparalleled combination of expert clinical advice alongside practical help for children and their families.”
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