Your information
If you would like to find out what happens to personal information held about you, please read the your personal information section on our Legal page. You can also read our privacy policy for more information.
Who we are
We are a team of specialist nurses with expertise in the care and treatment of epilepsy supported by our administrative team. We offer a service to clients across Kent and Medway.
We provide a link between the person with epilepsy, the consultant neurologist and the GP or practice nurse giving advice and monitoring medicine changes.
What do we offer and how can we help?
We provide education, advice and support to empower our clients, relatives and carers to manage their condition. Our goal is to achieve optimal seizure control.
We offer assessments and support via video or telephone appointment and we will offer you a face-to-face appointment if we need to see you at a local clinic or your home.
At your first appointment, we will complete an assessment of your epilepsy and help you understand all you need to know about being newly diagnosed and the on-going management of epilepsy. We share explanations and information on investigations and treatment options. We also provide lifestyle advice including maintaining good seizure control and first aid information to keep you safe. We help you to identify triggers for seizures, advise on managing and preventing prolonged seizures and share support and advice in special situations, for example pregnancy and rescue medication guidelines.
If you meet the referral criteria, we will offer you a follow up appointment. If you do not meet the criteria we may make onward referrals to other services or providers to support you further.
We would like to offer you a video or phone appointment with one of our team. We will be able to let you know the different options available to you when you call in to book your appointment.
If able, we would encourage you to accept a video call which will allow you to meet and see your clinician. You will need a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone with a good connection to the internet, a private area where you will not be disturbed and a web camera, speakers and microphone.
There is no need to create an account and no information about you is stored on the video system. You can find out more information about video calls on our virtual appointment advice page.
We regularly signpost our clients to the following resources. We would recommend taking a look to support you in letting us know what is important to you as well as thinking about what you would like to get out of your first appointment. We can provide communication support or information in different formats. Please tell us as soon as possible, or ask someone to tell us on your behalf, before your appointment, if you need any support, including the following:
- an interpreter, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, or information in another language
- information in large print, Braille, Easy Read (using pictures) or audio.
Diabetes UK - www.diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes UK is the leading charity for people living with diabetes in the UK. The website provides information and education; take a look at Diabetes: the basics and the Living with diabetes pages which cover healthy food choices, how to prevent or delay complications and the practical advice and emotional support available. Want to know more about checking your blood sugar or HbA1c level – take a look at the Managing your diabetes page. Struggling to manage your blood glucose levels in the summer – Diabetes and hot weather could really help.
Paula Carr Diabetes Trust - www.paulacarrdiabetestrust.co.uk
The Paula Carr Diabetes Trust is an independent charitable trust supporting people in Kent and Medway living with diabetes. The Diabetes at a glance pages offers education from What is diabetes? Why is insulin so important? to What treatment will I need? and Who will support me? Take a look at the You and diabetes pages, if you would like to find out more about diabetes and your weight, eyes and feet.
myDiabetes app – www.mymhealth.com/mydiabetes
The Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) promotes the use of the myDiabetes app for clients and clinicians. After your first appointment, we will send you an email allowing you to access the app for free. The app aims to support clients in monitoring their blood sugar and HbA1c results, creating targets and reports to allow you to see how well you are managing your diabetes. If you would find having your upcoming appointments all in once place and information about your eyes, kidneys and foot care at a glance, this app is for you.
One You Kent - www.kent.nhs.uk/service/one-you-kent
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, get active, quit smoking, or just feel better about life One You Kent is here to support YOU. One You advisers are able to support you by telephone and video calls from the comfort of your home.
Help Kent and Medway - www.helpkentandmedway.co.uk
The Help Kent and Medway is a free NHS funded service that provides counselling and talking therapies. Therapy can help you accept your diagnosis, support with phobias, such as needles, and also provide you with strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Take a look at their interactive map of Kent to find services in your local area.