The first ever national commissioning nurse for epilepsy has been appointed.
Working with the Epilepsy Society and Neurological Commissioning Support, Juliet Ashton will be available to provide expert advice and support to clinical commissioning groups with the aim of improving local services and outcomes for people with epilepsy.
Her role will involve identifying areas of best practice and gaps in service provision while working with service users and providers to understand local services.
The first ever national commissioning nurse for epilepsy has been appointed.
Working with the Epilepsy Society and Neurological Commissioning Support, Juliet Ashton will be available to provide expert advice and support to clinical commissioning groups with the aim of improving local services and outcomes for people with epilepsy.
Her role will involve identifying areas of best practice and gaps in service provision while working with service users and providers to understand local services.
There are around 600,000 people in the UK with epilepsy. At least 70% of people with epilepsy could be seizure free with optimal care but figures show only half currently achieve seizure freedom.
Ashton has more than 25 years' experience in neurology nursing, including specialist nursing roles in multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury and Parkinson's.
She said: "I feel privileged to have been appointed to the first nurse commissioning role of its kind in neurology. It's been brought about by the passion and commitment of the voluntary sector – namely Epilepsy Society and Epilepsy Action working with Neurological Commissioning Support.
"Epilepsy specialist nurses are a core element of better services. Evidence shows that the appointment of an epilepsy specialist nurse is a catalyst for service improvement, often leading to a reduction in inappropriate admissions to hospitals."
