Complaint about delay in diagnosing epilepsy and failure to provide relevant advice and information

What happened

Mr J had a seizure and went to A&E. Staff discharged him with a referral to neurology but did not give him the appropriate safety advice about driving. When Mr J visited the neurology clinic, he was appropriately assessed and referred for cardiac investigations. Clinic staff deferred the diagnosis of epilepsy and relevant medication while they waited for the results of the investigations. Mr J did not get copies of the clinic letters from his neurology appointments and was left confused about his diagnosis. Although staff correctly advised Mr J not to drive, he complained that they did not give him information about possible benefits available to him to help with his travel costs. Staff discussed a referral to the epilepsy nurse, but the hospital did not offer Mr J an appointment.

What we found

A&E staff did not give the appropriate safety advice but there was no delay in reaching an epilepsy diagnosis because it was reasonable for them to request further investigations.

We found that Mr J was not offered an appointment with the epilepsy nurse or copies of the clinic letters from his neurology appointments. This left him confused about his diagnosis and distressed by the possible impact of this on his work life and ability to drive. We found that the information about benefits was available to him via relevant leaflets and that the individual doctor involved could not be expected to provide advice about benefits.

Putting it right

Following our investigation, the Trust agreed to review its policies and procedures regarding referrals to the epilepsy nurse. It also agreed to make sure that A&E staff offer appropriate safety advice and that all patients are given copies of clinic letters from neurology appointments.