RCN’s concerns over epilepsy care

Published: 24 September 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has expressed ‘profound concern’ that fewer than half of children with epilepsy had access to a specialist nurse.

It follows a report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) which highlighted the varying care given to children with epilepsy.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said specialist nurses have led the way in helping children and their families manage epilepsy – but was concerned that it is not the case everywhere.

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. Epilepsy can be a very distressing and worrying illness for a child to have. Therefore, having a specialist nurse who is on hand to answer questions and give advice on avoiding complications can make all the difference to how well the condition is managed. “

Dr Carter added that without the correct advice, children face complications which affect their health, education and other activities.

He said: “We would urge NHS organisations to give every child access to a specialist nurse to keep them as well as possible and to avoid unnecessary and expensive hospital admissions.”

Read more about the study on the RCPCH website.