We are very pleased to see a Dáil motion being brought forward by the Social Democrats this week, which is supporting one of Epilepsy Ireland’s key strategic objectives – to expand the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) to include epilepsy.
The expansion of the CDMP to include epilepsy has been one of our key advocacy campaigns since the 2024 General election. The CDMP sees GPs proactively review patients in relation to both their long-term health condition and their general health. This proactive approach can help ensure that the patient’s long-term health is monitored and is proactive in screening the patient for other potential health risks.
In a study conducted by University College Cork and Epilepsy Ireland, investigating the relationship between people with epilepsy and their GPs, it found that:
- GPs and people with epilepsy described a limited role for GPs in their epilepsy care
- There were varying levels of engagement from people with epilepsy and their GP, and vice versa
- Limited epilepsy knowledge was cited as being a challenge for GPs working in family practices
We believe that if epilepsy were to be added to the CDMP, it would help improve these findings by encouraging GPs to upskill in their knowledge of epilepsy and ultimately, this would help to relieve pressure on already stretched specialist epilepsy services, leading to better health outcomes for people with epilepsy.
We have also been proactive in our approach in helping to improve the patient / GP experience by developing an Epilepsy Patient Guide, designed to help stimulate conversations between patients with epilepsy and their GPS; and vice vera – as well as developing an educational video for GPs. More on all this can be found by visiting the ‘For GPs’ page on our website.
We are delighted that adding epilepsy to the CDMP has been included in the Social Democrats motion - being led by Health Spokesperson, Deputy Pádraig Rice - which is part of a wider motion calling for improved access to GP care across Ireland.
Commenting on the motion, our Advocacy & Communications Manager, Paddy McGeoghegan said, “Last year, we hosted an event in University College Cork where we asked the question, ‘Is it time to add epilepsy to the Chronic Disease Management Programme?’ From the inputs at this event presented by a range of healthcare professionals involved in supporting people with epilepsy, and from those in attendance, the answer was a resounding yes. Epilepsy is an incredibly common condition and while some people will need continued access to specialist care due to the individual nature of their epilepsy, others living with the condition may be appropriately managed via primary care, closer to home and in a timely manner - aligning with the key objectives of Sláintecare.
“Adding epilepsy to the CDMP would have a positive impact in the care of people with epilepsy – and be a positive marker towards implementing the public health approach to epilepsy – as Ireland has agreed to via our commitment to the World Health Organisation Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
“We look forward to seeing the progress of the motion on Wednesday. We know there has been broad support for our calls from TDs across the Dáil – so we would urge them to please support this motion. We would also like to thank Deputy Rice and his party colleagues for their support in calling for epilepsy to be included in the CDMP.”
You can read more about this motion by visiting the Oireachtas website. If you would like to support our calls for epilepsy to be added to the CDMP prior to the motion being heard on Wednesday, you can raise this matter with your local Oireachtas representative. We provided a short template letter which can be downloaded and amended at the end of this article. You can find details of your local TD by visiting the Oireachtas website.
We will provide further updates on this campaign on our website and social media channels as they become available.
In the meantime, if you need any support or information around your or your family member’s journey with epilepsy, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the 'Our Local Services' section of our website.