Patient choice for treatment

[Whyme89]

I have had Epilepsy for 41 years, and since roughly the age of 5, I have always had my treatment including surgery, done in Oxford. I was due to go see my Neurologist later this year in November, but I have since found out that due to the fact I live in Devon, I can no longer continue being a patient at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford ever again. A lot of epilepsy patients who live outside of Oxford go to the John Radcliffe as they are well known for having an excellent reputation for patient care/epilepsy patients. This news is now going to effect a lot of patients. I was just wondering where do I go from here? I live in Devon and I don't know of any Neurologists that specialize in Epilepsy in particular near where I live.

Are there any others already in this predicament? If not, they soon will be!

I always thought every patient in England had the choice to which consultant they wish to see, even if it is outside their own local health authority?

Thanks in advance.

[nicolajane50]

Good morning😀 I was diagnosed 10 years ago and the last time I went to see a consultant was 10 years ago🙄 it’s only now I’m having issues I’m being referred. I’ve had no in betweens🙄 we have moved a least 3 times during those years due to my husband being military so it seems I’ve been forgotten. I’m sure you will be ok😀 keep at it tho. Keep nagging for answers other wise you’ll be forgotten too😢

[Dino]

I had Epilepsy from the age of 8 til I was 18 thought i had grown out of it as children often do i moved to Devon when i was 43 and out of blue suffered a Grand Mal at 46 i have had an Consultant in Exeter for the past 19 years but i couldn't say wether he specialises in Epilepsy or not but they have always offered good treatment there in my experience.

[Whyme89 in reply to Dino]

I didn't think they had much of a Neurological unit at the RD&E, I always assumed Derriford was a larger place to go to, though nothing like where I currently go for my treatment in Oxford. I'll keep pushing them to let me continue going! But thanks for your reply though, it is appreciated. 👍