A safety checklist aimed at improving epilepsy care has received government support from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health & Social Care.
In parliament, Dr Zubir Ahmed emphasised the importance of the Clive Treacy Epilepsy Safety Checklist, which aims to help community care providers ensure effective epilepsy care for individuals who also have a learning disability, autism, or both.
The safety tool was developed in memory of Clive Treacey, who died in 2017 at the age of 47 after suffering a seizure.
In a statement, Elaine Clarke, Clive’s sister, said: “Clive would have been so proud to hear his name said out loud in the House of Commons. It’s hard to describe what that meant to us, but as importantly, what it will mean to the thousands of other Clives who have a right to the care and support we have described in the checklist.”
She added: “It is our sincerest wish that the implementation of this tool will enable people with a learning disability and epilepsy to live longer and healthier lives.”
The mechanism was created to improve the provision of care nationally by the NHS, the University of Plymouth, and SUDEP Action.
According to an independent review, Clive’s death was potentially avoidable if not for the multiple system-wide failures in delivering his treatment.
Tom Shillito, health improvement and research manager at Epilepsy Action, said: “We’re pleased to hear that the Minister is fully committed to these proposals, and we hope to see real change in the care for people with learning disabilities and epilepsy.
“Clive’s story is nothing other than shocking and tragic, and it is in his legacy that we are determined to create change.”
The ongoing focus on improving care for individuals with epilepsy and autism highlights the crucial work of organisations such as Support Dogs.
Support Dogs is a national charity that provides life-changing assistance dogs to autistic children and adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities.
Katie Williamson, Fundraising Assistant at Support Dogs, said: “At Support Dogs, our priority is to ensure that our clients can live more independent and safer lives, and 100% of our clients have increased independence and reduced care needs.
“The majority of our clients are also more physically and socially active since having their support dog, allowing for a more socially inclusive and healthier lifestyle.”
The 360Wire-backed campaign Paws for a Cause aims to raise £1,000 for 10 autistic children to meet their support dogs, increase autism assistance dog Peggy’s sponsorships to 20, and secure 10 new registrations of puppy socialisers for the charity, which is currently facing a waiting list crisis.
To view upcoming campaign events and get involved, click here.
For more information on Support Dogs, visit here.