A dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse could be in place on the Isle of Man by the start of the 2027-28 financial year, Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian has confirmed.
The role is expected to cost between £60,000 and £70,000 annually and remains subject to budget approval and successful recruitment.
Responding to a Tynwald question from David Ashford SHK, the minister said the island currently does not have a dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse but receives support through a consultant neurologist and specialist nursing services provided by Liverpool’s Walton Centre for Neurosciences.
Christian said plans for a local specialist nurse are being progressed as part of a wider review of neurology services, with Manx Care recognising that people living with epilepsy would benefit from additional support on-island.
Asked whether the role would be a full-time island-based position, the minister confirmed it would be.
She later clarified that the post would be a dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse, rather than a general neurology nurse with an interest in epilepsy.
During the exchange, Kirstie Morphet MLC highlighted pressures facing neurology services, noting there were 661 adults on the waiting list with a median wait of 44 weeks.
Christian said improving support for epilepsy patients was a priority for both the department and Manx Care.
You can listen to the fill exchange below:
