31.05.13
Surgery to benefit more children with epilepsy
New guidelines have been developed to increase the number of children referred for epilepsy surgery.
Produced by Epilepsy Action and NHS England, the guidance follows the introduction of the Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service (CESS), which specialises care in four centres across the country.
It is estimated that by 2015-16, around 350 children could benefit from surgery each year, compared to the current estimate of around 110. The guidelines will help paediatricians decide when and how children should be referred to a CESS centre.
Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “Surgery can radically improve the lives of young people and, in many cases, cure their epilepsy. These specialist centres should ensure that more children with epilepsy receive the surgery and quality care they need. But we need paediatricians to know that they exist and that the option to refer is there.
“We hope these resources will raise awareness of the increased capacity for children’s surgery and encourage more referrals from paediatricians treating children with difficult to control epilepsy. This way, more children who could benefit from surgery will be given the opportunity to do so.”
James Palmer, clinical director of specialised services at NHS England said: “These guidelines will help raise clinical awareness of this valuable new service. The national Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service will enable more children to benefit from this specialised treatment which can have huge quality of life benefits.”
Chris Verity, chair of the Epilepsy National Clinical Coordinating Group, said: “This initiative gives us the chance to develop a world-class epilepsy surgery service for children and young people in England.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]