A new service aimed at improving the lives of children and young people with epilepsy is calling on patients, families, and carers to get involved in shaping how they can be best supported in meeting their psychological needs.
The Paediatric Epilepsy Psychology Service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH) has been set up to provide dedicated support to young patients and families in Norfolk currently under the care of the Paediatric Epilepsy Service.
Some of the aims of the service are:
- to improve wellbeing
- to create better understanding of seizures and symptoms
- to increase a sense of control of the condition
The newly formed team comprises Dr Gail Clare, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Dr Lucy Wigg, Clinical Psychologist, and Hannah Cooper, Assistant Psychologist.
They will be working alongside specialist epilepsy nurses and consultant paediatricians, offering support and advice in clinics, on wards and in one-to-one or group appointments.
Dr Wigg said: “We want to improve the lives of children and young people by helping them understand their seizures and symptoms better, improve their wellbeing, increase their sense of control, and manage associated difficulties. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the fantastic Paediatric Epilepsy Service, working with them in developing the holistic care offered by QEH.”
Special focus groups have been set up to help gather feedback from children and families who are currently under the care of the service.
On Tuesday 31 January there will be an online group for parents held at 11am, with a further face-to-face group for children and young people at 4.30pm at the Roxburgh Children’s Centre.
On Tuesday 7 February there is another parents group being held at 1pm in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Spencer-Mountbatten Suite.
If you would like to book a place or would like to arrange to give your views at another time, please call 01553 613433 or email clinical.psychology@qehkl.nhs.uk.
Dr Clare emphasises why they are keen to hear your feedback: “In listening to you we can ensure we can truly design a service to best meet your needs, so please let us know your thoughts.”
Families outside of Norfolk, under the care of QEH remain able to access the general Paediatric Clinical Psychology Service.
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