Epilepsy

The Role of the Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner

The Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner works with the Adult Learning Disability Service and covers the Lanarkshire area.

The Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner can provide advice on:

Any tests or investigations that your doctor has suggested for your epilepsy
Information for your epilepsy care plan
Information on any rescue medication that you may need
Any medications you are taking for your epilepsy
Any side effects from these medications that you may have
Any worries that you have about safety, leisure activities, work etc
Epilepsy education specific to your needs or epilepsy training for your carers

The Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner can work with you, your family/carers, GP, neurologist, college staff, work colleagues, and respite staff at a clinic at Kirklands Hospital in Bothwell or can visit you in your home.

The Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner also:

Promotes good practice in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment & care of young people and adults with epilepsy.
Is the first point of contact, supporter and advocate for the young person/adult and family (SIGN 2005).
Is the main point of contact for GP’s and other professionals, liaising between agencies and visiting at home and school when necessary to ensure continuity of care.
Supports the ongoing care of the young person or adult and their family, providing specialist information, emotional support, teaching, and refers to other professionals when indicated e.g. counselling.
Provides training and education, awareness raising and advice to other professionals in schools, colleges, workplaces, primary and community teams, social services, learning disability teams etc.
Works as a key member of the multidisciplinary team, helping in the development of responsive, evidence based, accessible and appropriate services (including nurse-led clinics), and engaging young people/ adults and families in services reviews and developments.