P-06-1240 Improve health services for people with epilepsy living in Wales

Petitions4

This petition was submitted by Janet Paterson, having collected a total of 1,334 signatures.

Text of Petition:                    

We are concerned that the current services for people with epilepsy living in Wales are not providing people with the help and support they need.

Epilepsy Action recommends a caseload of no more than 250 people per Epilepsy Specialist Nurse (ESN), in order to minimise the effects of their condition and provide the best possible care. Currently no area in Wales is meeting this recommendation.

There is a lack of ESNs and waiting times to see neurologists are over 12 months in many areas.

Additional Information:

Increasing the number of ESNs in all health boards across Wales would help significantly improve access to services and the support that people with epilepsy receive.

ESNs are vital team members providing care to people with epilepsy. They work alongside consultant neurologists and other healthcare professionals to provide essential advice and support during and, as importantly, in-between appointments.

ESNs are often the first point of contact for people with epilepsy who require advice or support related to their condition and their contribution is invaluable. The crucial role of epilepsy specialist nurses in caring for and supporting people with epilepsy is set out in Epilepsy Action’s recent ESPENTE report https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/research/espente

In addition to increasing the number of ESNs, all epilepsy services in Wales need more funding to ensure that people with epilepsy receive the support and care they need.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 08/12/2025. 

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above. 

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 07/03/2022. 

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Arfon
• North Wales

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