Media
Position Statement
Waiting times
“Anyone of us with suspected epilepsy expects an expert diagnosis as soon as possible – you don’t want your life put on hold or put at risk from untreated seizures”. National (SIGN) guidelines recommend two weeks to see a specialist but waiting times are often longer. Even general targets of not waiting more than six months to see a consultant following a referral by your GP seems a lifetime.
“While people are living with the constant threat of further seizures, they can face another 10-12 week appointments for further tests such as EEG brain imaging because these services are in such high demand and resources are stretched. People are also dealing with giving up driving and the impact epilepsy may have on their family, career and social life.
“Epilepsy Scotland would welcome a 2007 waiting time standard for epilepsy which is lower than the general 18 weeks proposed for non life-threatening conditions. A new waiting time standard also ensures that appropriate tests, diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy become best practice in every NHS Board.”
by Chief Executive, Susan Douglas-Scott