§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many sudden unexpected deaths from epilepsy there were in(a) Blackpool, (b) the north-west and (c) the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [58834]
§ Jacqui SmithThe figures for the number of deaths from epilepsy are as follows.
England and Wales North-west1 Blackpool 1996 836 134 Nil 1997 824 126 2 1998 848 150 4 1999 870 141 2 2000 850 112 3 1 North-west Government office region Note
"Sudden Epileptic Death" was defined as a death where the underlying cause was epilepsy and where "sudden death" appeared in the cause of death text when it was certified.
Source
Office for National Statistics
§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities and support are available to epilepsy sufferers and their families in the Blackpool area. [58835]
§ Jacqui SmithAn out-patient service which is based at the neurology department of the Blackpool Victoria Hospital is available to residents in the Blackpool area and surrounding locality. Those patients requiring more specialist assessments and treatment are referred to the Royal Preston Hospital which provides the specialist service for epilepsy sufferers across Lancashire and South Cumbria. This is a clinic-based service under the direction of two consultant neurologists. A specialist nurse is also available who can provide follow up support to patients and families as appropriate. Where necessary patients can also be referred to the David Lewis Centre in Cheshire which provides a specialist centre for assessing and managing severe or complex epilepsy.