Epilepsy issues deserve greater coverage

The Irish Examiner published an article on the opening of the new CUH epilepsy unit (‘CUH epilepsy unit finally opens after two-year delay’, Friday January 16) but as an epileptic I was appalled by the indifference shown by the media to the opening of the new unit. 

This type of service is vital to monitor severe and difficult to control epilepsy. Observation is crucial to prevent sudden and unexpected death syndrome (SUDEP).

This delay in opening this unit is unforgivable, but the lack of media coverage given is disgraceful. As a sufferer for 20 years I am no longer shocked by society’s ignorance , but I expected a level of professionalism by the health correspondents. Editors are selective about the health issues they publicise and epilepsy is never prioritised. A recent report by Epilepsy Action in Britain described epilepsy sufferers as “Invisible Patients”. Clearly the media here share that view.