Media
Press Releases
2007
Embargo: 00.01 Thursday 24 May 2007
What in Kerr's name is happening to health services?
40,000 Scots with epilepsy may soon use health services nearer to home but only if government policies are put into local practice. Around 100 delegates including health professionals, social workers, teachers and voluntary sector workers will find out today just how the promise of better services can be turned into a reality on their doorstep. They will take part in Epilepsy Scotland’s national conference and address the title question is ‘Kerr in the community – delivering for epilepsy?’
This National Epilepsy Week event takes place in Edinburgh’s Apex International Hotel and is supported by Eisai pharma and Cyberonics medical device company.
Epilepsy Scotland’s Chief Executive, Susan Douglas-Scott explained: “Our conference looks at new ways of working; such as having pharmacy advice readily available, offering video consultations with a doctor or nurse using telemedicine rather than a consulting room, or providing accessible electronic patient records which operate across the country.
“We want to showcase current examples of exciting and innovative health care. These will help people living with epilepsy to better manage their condition. We are a broker of best practice being introduced across Scotland by pioneering GPs, nurses, pharmacists and consultants. We hope delegates will try to replicate these ideas in their own communities.”
Leading speakers for the day include GPs, specialist nurses and epilepsy consultants. They will be joining experts in e-records for patients, telemedicine and pharmacy. Senior civil servants from the Scottish Executive Health Department include Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Aileen Keel, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Bill Scott and Director of Healthcare Policy and Strategy, Derek Feeley. Delegates will also be addressed by consultant neurologist and telemedicine author, Victor Patterson from Belfast Royal Victoria Infirmary.
ENDS
Notes to editor
1. Photo opportunity and interviews: Photo calls: with Victor Patterson and Susan Douglas-Scott on Thursday 24 May 2007 at 12.30pm and Derek Feeley at 3.15pm, Apex International Hotel Edinburgh.
2. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. We represent the one in 130 people who have this common neurological condition - that's nearly 40,000 Scots - as well as their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline 0808 800 2200 offers information on epilepsy matters as does our website: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
3. The Kerr Report and the Delivering for Health agenda are two of the most influential health policy documents published in recent years. Both aim to provide a framework for the future development of health services in Scotland. The Kerr Report promises an NHS that will deliver more services in the community, where medical staff target people with long-term conditions and have an awareness of the needs of older people. This should mean better support for the 40,000 living with epilepsy, and indeed the estimated 2 million people living with a long-term health condition in Scotland.
4. Guest speakers discussing ways to improve epilepsy care by implementing and going beyond the Kerr Report include a person with epilepsy from Inverness, a GP from Ayrshire, epilepsy specialist nurses from Aberdeen and Belfast, epilepsy consultants from Glasgow and Belfast, telemedicine experts from Aberdeen and Belfast.
5. A full conference report summarising the central themes and issues surrounding community health services for people with epilepsy will be available in the summer.
6. National Epilepsy Week runs from 20-26 May 2007. This year's theme is epilepsy and employment. Epilepsy Scotland will launch its new employer's guide to epilepsy both at the conference and with MSPs in a Scottish Parliament photocall at 12.30pm.
7. Telemedicine case studies are available for the media. For details please contact:
Allana Parker, Communications Manager:
Direct line: 0141 419 1701
Mobile 07884 012 147
At the Apex International Hotel from 24 May 2007: 0131 300 3456
Or call Craig Glover, Policy and Development Officer
Epilepsy Scotland Tel: 0141 427 4911 At the Apex International Hotel from 24 May 2007: 0131 300 3456