HC Deb 08 February 1999 vol 325 cc98-9W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines are issued by his Department to(a) health and (b) education authorities in Wales in relation to the provision of services and support needed by people suffering from epilepsy; and if he will make a statement. [69671]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

On 15 June 1995, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales issued to the NHS in Wales a report on 'Health Care for People with Epilepsy in Wales' (PM(95)). This report made a number of recommendations, gives useful background information and is a resource for staff involved in purchasing and providing care for this group of patients.

In December 1997, a Welsh Office Circular `Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs' was issued to all Directors of Education in Wales together with an accompanying Good Practice Guide. The Guide contained a section describing the different types of epilepsy, its control and what can be done in the event of a pupil suffering a seizure.

In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.