Laura Sandys MP today called for the implementation of Epilepsy Action’s latest report and joined people with epilepsy across the country to celebrate the international epilepsy awareness day: Purple Day.
An epileptic herself, Laura said: “With 87 people being diagnosed every day, it is vitally important we continue working hard to stamp out the stigma of epilepsy and increase the research budgets for such a prevalent condition. Epilepsy Action’s recent report, ‘A Critical Time’ highlighted numerous ways epileptics are being overlooked across the country – this is clearly not good enough.”
“Today on Purple Day, I am calling for the Government to implement these recommendations, including:
· Clinical Commissioning Groups carrying out ‘epilepsy needs’ assessments for their local areas.
· Local Authorities’ Health and Wellbeing Boards including a section on epilepsy in their Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
· Primary care clinicians reviewing and referring their adult patients to a specialist to ensure they get the most appropriate treatment.
Laura chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Epilepsy and continues to work with and support many charities like Epilepsy Action to carry on their vital work in supporting the 600,000 people with epilepsy across the UK. If you would like to know more about Purple Day, or the work of Epilepsy Action, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/purple-day, or call 0113 210 8800.