Epilepsy nurses shortfall unacceptable - McInnes

5.25.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 22nd May 2008

North East MSP Alison McInnes today backed calls for more specialist epilepsy nurses in Scotland after it was revealed that only 24 such nurses are employed to care for 40,000 Scots with the condition.

In Grampian it is thought that six specialist nurses are required to meet the demand for care, but only two are employed. In Tayside five are required, according to the Joint Epilepsy Council of the UK and Ireland, whilst only two are employed.

Mrs McInnes said: "These figures are worrying. Specialist epilepsy nurses are able to provide a much needed level of support and care to individuals, their families and carers. They can give precise and tailored information regarding how best one might manage living with epilepsy, in terms of drug management and general lifestyle, and with regard to specific scenarios such as pregnancy or gaining and retaining employment.

"They also provide a vital link between people with epilepsy, other healthcare professionals, and the community at large, helping to raise awareness of the condition in schools and community groups."

Mrs McInnes has written to the Chief Executives of NHS Grampian and Tayside to promote the campaign of Epilepsy Scotland, asking them what plans there are to address the shortfall.