Epilepsy centre is given top honour
A CITY epilepsy centre regarded as one of the best in the world has been received a top healthcare award.
William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre, which opened in 2013, is the only centre of its kind in Scotland.
It is based on St Kenneth Drive, close to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and offers state-of-theart care to people suffering from the condition.
The centre has been awarded the Laing Buisson award for primary care and diagnostics which recognises excellence and innovation in the public, private and third sectors.
It offers in-patient assessment to patients with complex diagnostic and treatment needs and takes patients from across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland.
Gerard Gahagan, head of epilepsy services at social care charity Quarriers, said: “Epilepsy can be extremely difficult to diagnose with an estimated 12,000 people in Scotland living with a misdiagnosis.
“Being able to provide accurate diagnosis and particularly distin- guishing between epileptic and non-epileptic seizure is paramount in delivering the best patient outcomes.
“Our vision is a world where no life is shattered by epilepsy.”
The centre was commended by the judges for its person-centered approach where each patient is provided with the support to help them manage their condition.
That includes enabling them to reduce or withdraw from medication in a safe environment, to offering continuing support.
Mr Gahagan said: “The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre exemplifies the benefits of integrating heath and social care and works seamlessly with all 14 NHS boards in Scotland as well as accepting referrals from northern England and Northern Ireland ensuring patients across the UK have equal access to specialist treatment of the highest quality.”
Alice Harper, chief executive of Quarriers, said the charity was thrilled to be recognised with such a prestigious heathcare award.
She added: “It is testament to the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.”