October 2002

Forum focuses on epilepsy

Staff from Department of Human Services-run accommodation for people with intellectual disabilities across the state took part in a forum on epilepsy.

Rosemary Panelli from the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria was guest speaker at the forum which discussed the impact epilepsy has on people’s lives, identified a range of responses to seizures and discussed options for treatment.

Ms Panelli described new developments in drug treatment options and sudden death from epilepsy.

She answered a range of questions reflecting the background and interest of forum participants.

The views and stories generated from the forum will be used to inform the current review of policies and practice instructions on epilepsy.

The guidelines will focus on the needs of residents with epilepsy, provide an integrated approach to managing epilepsy and form a resource for accommodation services staff in both the funded and government sectors.

It is part of a larger review of the Intellectual Disability Services Accommodation Service Practice Instruction Manuals currently underway.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria provides a range of services for people affected by epilepsy including information, library services, counselling, community education, workshops, support groups, a phone link service, internet discussion groups and accommodation in Melbourne (for partners/families of clients undergoing surgery or pre-evaluation for surgery).

• For more information on the Department’s epilepsy forum contact Louise Hallahan at louise.hallahan@dhs.vic.gov.au or on 9616 7901. For more information on the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria, 818 Burke Rd, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, visit www.epinet.org.au, call 9805 9111 or 1300 852 853 (toll free), fax 9882 7159 or email epilepsy@epilepsy.asn.au.