Quarriers Transforming Lives

Quarriers Epilepsy Fieldwork

There are over 40 different types of epilepsy, not all of which are easily diagnosed and controllable. Quarriers believes that all people with epilepsy should have a correct diagnosis and the necessary specialist support to manage their condition.

Gaye is one of six Quarriers fieldworkers in Scotland who makes a huge difference to the lives of people with epilepsy, their families, carers and professionals. She is based in Kirkcaldy and provides support to clients throughout Fife.

Every Quarriers fieldworker offers an amazing array of support.

Knowledge of the condition, medication, administration and the support networks are necessary areas of expertise... but everything relies on people skills. Gaye is well-known as a great support in Fife and this is in no small part down to her empathy and intuition.

It was Gaye who linked itchy skin and red itchy swelling on Abbie’s hands to possible side effects of a new medication. Gaye's previous experience told her that this needed to be checked out. The hospital consultant was contacted and this particular medication was stopped.

Abbie lives with her mum in Glenrothes and has had epilepsy for 10 years. Frequent seizures affect every part of her life.  She has an alarm to alert family if she has a seizure during the night. The bathroom door has been adapted so that it opens outwards as Abbie has been trapped in the bathroom before when she has had a seizure.  During one seizure Abbie fell into a bath, turning the hot tap on in the process. Abbie’s school work has been affected by seizures as she was not always well enough to attend school.  Abbie now attends college. Gaye helps Abbie and her mum by providing information and advice on epilepsy and ongoing support. 

Linda has epilepsy which has not been fully controlled by medication for 30 years. Her seizures often result in trips to A&E and recently there was a question over whether all of Linda’s seizures were epilepsy.  Gaye advocated for a referral to the Scottish Epilepsy Centre, an independent hospital managed by Quarriers and the only epilepsy assessment centre in Scotland. Linda’s epilepsy was assessed and the diagnosis confirmed.  Linda is now being considered for surgery.  Linda's 17 year old daughter is her full-time carer. Gaye provides them both with information, support and a knowledgeable listening ear.

Epilepsy can have a huge impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing and lifestyle including issues such a driving and employment.  Stigma and ignorance surrounding epilepsy mean that people’s perceptions can be inaccurate and misleading. It’s important to provide the correct information and advocate on the client’s behalf to ensure their safety and wellbeing. This means close liaison with both GPs and Consultants with regard to medication and other impacting conditions. It also means close working with nurseries, schools, colleges, employers, and other voluntary organisations and services in the community to support the individual and also to raise awareness of epilepsy. Training in epilepsy awareness can be provided, as well as training to administer rescue medication – and that’s essential for people who have prolonged or clusters of seizures.

One person in every 131 is affected by epilepsy with an estimated 2700 in Fife.

Gaye understands that living well with epilepsy is not always about medication and seizures – but at the heart of diagnosis is someone who needs the right support at the right time.

Without Gaye and other Fieldworkers like her, many people would lose their voice and the correct treatment. Without Quarriers, they'd be living with epilepsy alone.