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Epilepsy Services

I congratulate the hon. Member for Calder Valley (Chris McCafferty) on securing the debate. The all-party group on epilepsy’s report, which prompted the debate, is welcome because it was apparent while researching for today’s debate that there is a dearth of information about patient experience in epilepsy. I want to pick up on the point about discrimination made by the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs. Moon). Unfortunately, epilepsy is one of those conditions that people often keep to themselves unless they have to tell their workmates. As Members of Parliament we are lobbied about access to all sorts of services, but I cannot recall being lobbied about access to epilepsy services on any occasion. It is clear from the report that there are significant problems. I hope that the groups that might read the debate in Hansard will give some thought not only to how they can provide support for the patients who join them, but to how they can help those patients lobby. One thing that I have learned in this place is that the more people who lobby MPs on a particular subject, the more it is highlighted in Parliament. Sadly, that fact is probably reflected in the attendance here today.