New Children's Epilepsy Nurse Specialist position created in Powys

Children in Powys who suffer from epilepsy will now be able to receive more support thanks to the creation of a new role within Powys Teaching Health Board. 

Former Special School nurse Ginny Bond-Scott is now working with families to offer local support and guidance.  Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialist Ginny explained: “We (PTHB) commission support from hospitals outside our borders and despite these team's best efforts, they don’t always have the capacity to provide local support to our families, education, social care or transport providers.

“My new role will involve care planning and training where needed. I will be a local source of support for Powys families, and I am looking forward to joint working alongside the commissioned services to ensure our families receive the best care possible. 

“I know of one Powys Mum who was so worried about her child that she used to sit outside the school in her car every school day in case they had a seizure, and the staff were not trained to administer rescue medication. Now, with the creation of this position, I can help train schools to support pupils with epilepsy and ultimately, parents will be able to feel more reassured that their schools will know what to do.” 

The part-time post is based in Newtown but Ginny – who is a member of the Epilepsy Specialist Nurses Association - is working with families across the county and is passionate about making a difference in the child/young person and their family’s lives 

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions in the world. It affects around 633,000 people in the UK. In Wales, 11 in 1000 people have epilepsy.

This can start at any age and there are many different types. Some types last for a limited time, but for many people, epilepsy can be a lifelong condition.  

Photo: Ginny Bond-Scott has taken up the role of Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialist with Powys Teaching Health Board.  

Published: December 3, 2024

Notes: *Data from Epilepsy Action. UK epilepsy prevalence and incidence update - Epilepsy Action