A specialist nursing service is being launched to help patients with epilepsy manage the condition.

Clinics will be held across north Norfolk so patients can access support, advice and guidance closer to home. Working with partners including neurologists from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, GPs and the ambulance service; the clinics aim to help patients manage the condition increasing their quality of life and avoiding hospital admissions.

The Adult Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Service has been launched by North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group and is being delivered by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS trust.

Norfolk Community Health and Care adult epilepsy specialist nurse for north Norfolk Juliet Ashton, said: 'By helping patients to take an active role in their epilepsy it can help to reduce seizures and allow patients to feel more in control. It will also help patients make informed decisions about managing

their treatment and condition.'

'Seizure triggers can vary from one person to another and not everyone will have triggers. However, if you can identify the triggers it may help to reduce the number of seizures a patient is having by helping to avoid these.'

Following the launch of the service an Epilepsy self-management app will also be introduced to allow patients to monitor their condition at home.

The app, called Epsmon, can be downloaded on to any smart phone. It helps patients monitor how many seizures they are having, assist in taking medication on time and address any lifestyle issues which could be triggering seizures.

Clinics will be held at; Fakenham Medical Practice, Aylsham Medical Practice, Benjamin Court hospital in Cromer, Kelling Hospital, ?North Walsham Hospital and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The service is in addition to the current county wide service operating from Dereham Hospital.