Epilepsy

Nurse-led Community Epilepsy Service (adults)

The nurse-led community epilepsy service is part of the County Durham & Darlington Community Health Services Specialist Services. Our team consists of two registered nurses who have additional epilepsy qualifications and are registered with the national regulatory body, the Nursing & Midwifery Council. We also have two part time administrative staff who support the service.

How can a nurse-led community epilepsy service support people with epilepsy?

Epilepsy nurse specialists work with adults with epilepsy. We work in partnership with patients, carers and other colleagues to promote positive outcomes for people with epilepsy referred in to the service.  We offer a range of specialist support, including;

• Supporting you when you are diagnosed with epilepsy
• Giving you information about epilepsy
• Monitoring your seizure frequency
• Helping you to reduce or manage your seizures
• Helping you to adjust your medication so that you get the best seizure control
• Helping you to adjust your medication if you get side-effects
• Helping you to reduce the impact of epilepsy on your life (work, independence, leisure...)
• Supporting you through any epilepsy-related problems
• Liaising with other health professionals (neurologists, children's epilepsy nurse, Accident and Emergency, GP, practice nurse...) or other agencies (housing, employment services, social services...)
• Pre-conceptual counselling for women planning pregnancy
• Assessment and care planning, reflecting your individual situation
• Keeping you updated with new developments in epilepsy management

Information

Where is the service provided from?

The nurse-led community epilepsy service is based in Chester Le Street Hospital, Front Street, Chester Le street, DH3 3AT.

When is the service provided?
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

How do people access the service?

Referrals are received from Neurologists, GPs, nurses, physicians or any other health professional.

Patients will usually be seen in a community clinic in Durham and Chester-le-Street or Derwentside.

PLEASE NOTE - At present the service is only available to patients living in the Durham and Chester-le-Street and Derwentside localities

Contact Details

Telephone: 0191 3876531