The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s (ABUHB) epilepsy open access service in Newport, Wales, has reopened after an unexpected closure in November last year.
The service closed without notice around mid-November, and Epilepsy Action understood this was due to staffing problems and sick leave.
The open access service was set up to offer timely support, specialist care and ongoing management for people with epilepsy.
The service has now resumed with improved staffing in the health board. People from the area have called the helpline service “excellent” and something that patients are “reliant” on.
Epilepsy Action Wales manager, Janet Paterson, said: “It’s certainly positive news to hear the service is back up and running. As many people with epilepsy in the area rely on it, it’s absolutely crucial that any future fluctuations are communicated in a timely and complete manner. Patients need to be fully aware of the options available to them. We’re hoping this will be taken on board in the future, should there be any more changes to service provision.”
Epilepsy affects around 36,000 people in Wales, with around 1,500 new diagnoses each year. ABUHB provides specialised epilepsy services and the use of open access for people across Wales, with 6,700 people with epilepsy living in the ABUHB area.
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