The Scottish Epilepsy Centre provides the only residential assessment and treatment centre in Scotland for adults with epilepsy.
Our 10 bedded in-patient facility provides flexible, patient-centred residential assessment for adults 16 years and over. We offer a multi-disciplinary in-depth assessment to people with the most complex diagnostic and treatment needs. Admissions to the Centre can vary in length with an average of 4-6 weeks.
Patients can be referred to the Scottish Epilepsy Centre for a number of reasons, these include:
- To clarify the diagnosis of ‘turns’ or seizures.
- To find out exactly what happens to you during seizures and how they affect you.
- To find out how factors in your life affect your seizures.
- Determine what effect epilepsy has on your memory and other functions.
- Provide individual advice and support to help you cope with epilepsy.
- Make changes to your treatment in a safe environment.
To do all these things, we have a team of expert nursing and care staff, Consultant Neurologists and a Psychologist. The team is backed up with monitoring equipment that can record seizures on video, EEG or both.
Your stay
Before you arrive
To help us prepare for your stay we’ll contact your GP and the person who referred you for more information.
Normally you’ll be seen by our Epilepsy Nurse Specialist at an out-patient clinic prior to admission. Your care and treatment will be planned at this point along with your length of stay.
If you are unable to attend the Centre we will contact you by telephone to discuss any specific requirements you may have. We will then write advising you of an admission date.
It is important to let us know about all the medication you are taking before you arrive, bringing with you seven days supply in the original boxes.
During your stay
When you arrive you’ll be allocated a named nurse who will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss, co-ordinate and plan your care. You’ll receive a routine health check from a local GP.
Our specialist multidisciplinary team meet weekly to review your treatment and progress. The doctor may decide that you need a longer or shorter time than originally planned. This will always be discussed with you before any decision is reached.
The Assessment Process
You will be assessed on an individual basis, according to your specific needs. The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on finding out what happens before, during and after a seizure. It’s important for us to gather as much information as possible from relatives and carers who have seen your events.
Tests include EEG (Electroencephalography) and video telemetry (video monitoring and EEG together) which provides information about your seizures. We also use additional monitoring including CCTV and video
cameras.
How can we help?
We provide medical and nursing support for people at the Scottish Epilepsy Centre from experienced and
dedicated professionals.
Practical support for patients at the Scottish Epilepsy Centre
- Opportunity to speak to medical, nursing or support staff in confidence.
- Assistance with daily living activities where required.
- Qualified nursing and support staff available 24 hours a day.
- Advice on how to manage your seizures or ‘turns’
- Advice about how to claim NHS travel costs to and from the Centre.
Facilities at the Scottish Epilepsy Centre
- 10 single bedrooms with portable television.
- A large sitting room, quiet room and dining area.
- Shower facilities.
- Choice of menu at mealtimes as well as light snacks and drinks.
- Daily laundry service for your personal clothing.
- Access to a public pay phone.
For your family and carers:
- Visiting times: 1-4pm and 6-8pm
- Local accommodation is available, for contact details call the Administrator.
Getting in touch
The Scottish Epilepsy Centre is registered and inspected as an independent hospital with the Scottish Commission the Regulation of Care.
You’ll find us here:
Scottish Epilepsy Centre
Quarriers Village
Bridge of Weir
PA11 3SD
If you would like to discuss your referral or find out more about the service we provide, please contact the Administrator and ask to speak to the Epilepsy Nurse Specialist or Depute Manager.
The administrator is available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm:
Telephone: 01505 616066.
Or contact the Scottish Epilepsy Centre directly which is staffed 24 hours.
Telephone: 01505 616006/6007
The Scottish Epilepsy Centre is operated by Quarriers a leading national charity working to improve lives for people affected by epilepsy, providing clinical assessment and support, social care provisions, fieldwork services and campaigning services. Quarriers works in partnership with other voluntary sector organisations and the NHS to develop and improve service provision for people with epilepsy and influence the policy agenda.
Quarriers has been providing support services for people with epilepsy since 1906. Today, epilepsy services are one of four key areas of our work. Quarriers also provide services for: Adult Disability, Children and Families and Young Adults.
Our work
We challenge inequality of opportunity and choice, to bring about positive change in people’s lives.
Our people
Quarriers people are warm, supportive and caring. We are committed to getting things done in a professional and positive way, and to ensuring that the people we work with get the most out of life.
