Minister tells Tynwald proposal is being progressed
It's hoped a dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse will be in post by the beginning of the 2027/28 financial year.
In Tynwald this week (20 October) the health and social care minister confirmed a proposal is currently being progressed by Manx Care.
The Island is currently visited fortnightly by a consultant neurologist with a specialist interest in epilepsy.
Douglas North MHK David Ashford asked what staffing and funding requirements have been identified; and what timetable, if any, has been set for introducing the service.
Claire Christian confirmed the timeline and said the cost to implement the service would primarily relate to staffing and would be in the region of £60,000 to £70,000 per year.
MLC Kirstie Morphet asked, given the 661 adults on the waiting list for neurology, and the median wait of 44 weeks, if any modelling has been done to evidence whether a specialist nurse could reduce pressure on neurology, and whether they could provide 'timely, specialist treatment'.
Claire Christian said tackling those issues is 'absolutely a priority' for Manx Care and the department.
She told members that those diagnosed with the condition would benefit from 'additional local support':
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