New family GPs must be trained in epilepsy, says the Epilepsy Society

The Epilepsy Society has welcomed government plans to bring back the family doctor, promising greater continuity of care for people with long-term health conditions. And it has offered help to ensure that GPs receive better training in epilepsy so that they can fully support those with the condition.

The government proposes an extra £889m boost in GP funding, ensuring that patients with the greatest need would see the same doctor at every appointment. The proposals would allow more time for doctors to treat patients and the government has already started recruiting an extra 1,000 GPs.
 

Clare Pelham, Chief Executive at the Epilepsy Society, said: “Continuity of care is so important for anyone with epilepsy. It is critical for people to have a good rapport with a doctor who understands the challenges they are facing and how their epilepsy impacts them. 
 

“We know from our Helpline that many people feel unsupported in the current healthcare system as they struggle to get an appointment with a GP at all, and when they do, they often don’t see the same doctor twice. Communication is critical when dealing with health challenges and it is vital that GPs listen and patients are heard. And it is also important that GPs listen against a background of a full understanding of the complexity of epilepsy, the side effects and the impact on daily life.
 

“Through its Plan for Change, we know that the government wants to ‘fix the front door to the NHS”. And when patients step through that door, they must be met by GPs who are trained in epilepsy and can enhance the care of the patient.
 

“In England, there are a quarter of the number of neurologists to patients, compared to countries such as France and Germany. So, it is vital that GPs in the community receive expert training to relieve the burden on neurologists and enable patients to benefit from a “one stop shop”. This is where medical charities can support GPs with the training and skills that they need. Not only will better healthcare reduce the burden on the NHS, but it will also enable people with epilepsy to lead full lives and make a valuable contribution to the economy.” 
 

The government is now consulting with the British Medical Association on its reforms as part of its Plan for Change. The proposals fall under the new GP contract for 2025/26, which is out for consultation with the British Medical Association’s General Practice Committee to provide its feedback.