Epilepsy

HC Deb 05 June 1998 vol 313 cc407-8W

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will provide resources for research into sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; [44092]

(2) if he will set up an inquiry into sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. [44093]

Mr. Boateng

I met a delegation led by the organisation Epilepsy Bereaved?, on 2 June to discuss their concerns about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The delegation, which included epilepsy specialists who have conducted research into SUDEP, has been invited to design and submit a bid for a national sentinel audit of epilepsy services. This will involve working closely with several relevant national organisations.

The Department supports Epilepsy Bereaved? through a Section 64 core grant of £45,000 in total for the years 1997–2000.