Lorraine’s story – supporting people with epilepsy
"I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to be in a role that I can work directly with patients, families/carers and staff."
“The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre, an independent hospital operated by Quarriers, provides expert assessment and treatment for people with epilepsy. I was first introduced to the service as a Student Nurse and was impressed by the model of care that was delivered by a 3rd sector organisation in partnership with the NHS. As a Student Learning Disability Nurse, I was learning about the inequalities in health that people with learning disabilities experienced and the impact that had on individuals with accessing appropriate care and treatment. The centre provided a service for all adults affected by complex epilepsy and I was particularly struck by the inclusive facility that not only focused on the care and treatment of epilepsy but the other competing difficulties and co-morbidities that many people experience with a long term health condition.
Fast forward 19 years and I am the Nurse Manager within this hospital. I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to be in a role that I can work directly with patients, families/carers and staff. I get particular satisfaction when I meet with a patient group and discuss how the inpatient experience has benefited them or how it can be improved. Many patients have never spoken to someone else with epilepsy and their time in the centre provides an opportunity to share their experience with others. The centre also provides facilities for people that require additional support and that may be provided by their family/ carers or by our staff team.
Providing a service to such a range of people with varying health needs requires trained, experienced staff. Staff development is another area of my job that I thoroughly enjoy. When I see Student Nurses/ Junior Nurses coming through our service now, I think back to my early days and I am proud that the experience and knowledge that they gain and take with them, will benefit the many people that they have the privilege to work with in the area of nursing they choose. I am extremely grateful that I had that experience 19 years ago and strive each day to do my best for our patients.”
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