Children’s (Paediatric) Epilepsy Service
The Children’s Epilepsy Service is responsible for all children with a diagnosis of epilepsy in the west of Dorset. The team consists of two epilepsy nurse specialists who work closely with paediatric consultants and community paediatricians here at Dorset County Hospital as well as neurologists in Southampton.
Our aims
We are a non-emergency service who provide advice and support to families of children with epilepsy covering topics such as seizure management, medication queries and epilepsy education.
Who we help
To access the service, the child or young person must be between 0 to 18 years of age and be registered with a Dorset GP, have a ‘DT’ postcode as well as a consultant paediatrician at Dorset County Hospital.
How we help
We aim to make contact with the family within two weeks of diagnosis. We offer a home visit where an information pack is given which includes useful epilepsy information and signposting to further resources as well contact details for the team.
We also provide seizure plans for the child or young person to use at home/school/college/nursery to maintain safety should a seizure occur in these settings.
We provide parents/carers with training in administration of emergency medication where appropriate.
We support families in clinics and are contactable for day to day queries during weekdays.
Contact information
The Children’s Centre
Damers Road
Dorchester
DT1 2LB
childrens.epilepsy.nurses@dchft.nhs.uk
Helpful websites
www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk (information about different medications)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B08WEXzXVo4 (Buccal midazolam administration video)
Supporting you
If you are feeling down, stressed or anxious there is lots of support for you, your friends and your family in the form of face-to-face support, apps and online support. It might be you would like support around your long-term health problem, relationship advice, bullying, family counselling or support around wellbeing and mindfulness. Have a look at some of the support that is available to you:
Chat Health
Text message support for 11 to 19-year-olds delivered through the school nursing team.
The service is offered Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 4.30pm in term time and during holidays.
ChatHealth (confidential text messaging service for young people) :: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Nu Waves
Nu Waves project in Weymouth supports local children and young people effected by adverse experiences such as domestic abuse.
The Rendezvous
Support for 13 to 25-year-olds living in Dorset and Somerset.
Emotional wellbeing, support for young parents, opportunities for learning and interview support.
The Rendezvous | Supporting young people in Dorset and Somerset
Treads Youth Advice and Information Centre
Services for 10 to19-year-olds needing support in mental and physical wellbeing, substance misuse, relationships as well as education and employment.
Treads Youth Advice and Information Centre
Kooth
Online counselling and focuses on emotional wellbeing, with a live chat option.
Home – Kooth
Anxiety Assist
Dorset counselling service.
Home | AACTS
A Stars
A local support group for families with a child with an autistic spectrum disorder.
www.astars.org.uk
Dorset Mind
A Dorset-wide service to help young people live life mentally healthy.
Mental Health Support Charity – Dorset Mind