IMPROVEMENTS to epilepsy services in Wales are long overdue, Welsh Conservative AM Paul Davies will argue in his short debate today.

The Service Development and Commission Directive for Epilepsy announced last May highlighted many improvements that needed to be made to provision in Wales. This included reducing waiting times for routine and urgent appointments with neurology out-patients and the need for more specialist teams in Wales.

There is a particular shortfall in services in rural parts of Wales.

The Health Minister announced a new Epilepsy plan for Wales last month.

AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire Paul Davies said:

"Epilepsy is a life-altering and life-threatening condition.

"Unfortunately, growing pressures on epilepsy services across Wales means there is a shortfall in services for sufferers and their families in many parts of the country.

"This is particularly apparent in rural areas of Wales like my constituency.
"The Assembly Government has recognised that there is an inequality in access to treatment but not enough has been done to rectify that situation.

"Edwina Hart's new Epilepsy Plan announced last month is a big step forward in making the vital improvements to services in Wales.

"However, the Health Minister needs to ensure that the recommendations of this plan are implemented quickly across Wales so treatment and support can get to the people that need it most."

"It is vital WAG works closely with regional partners and voluntary organisations to make sure there is no postcode lottery attached to epilepsy care."