Epilepsy Scotland Press Release: Fairer Form For Epilepsy Travelers

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 17 Aug 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Thanks to continued campaigning by Epilepsy Scotland and specialist nurses, Transport Scotland has now simplified the travel card application process for people with epilepsy.

From this week GPs and epilepsy specialist nurses can sign the epilepsy eligibility form as well as consultants. This is important because many people with epilepsy are seen by their GP or nurse rather than a consultant. Local authorities have been advised of this change by Transport Scotland.

Epilepsy Scotland Chief Executive, Susan Douglas-Scott remarked; "This is a success story. The previous system caused problems as it increased the workload for consultants. We are delighted that Transport Scotland have listened to and acted on feedback from ourselves and specialist nurses. This review will simplify the process for everyone".

Transport Scotland Head of Concessionary, Gordon Hanning added; "Transport Scotland is pleased that people with epilepsy, who are unable to drive, will now find it easier to apply for a National Entitlement Card to access Scotland-wide free bus travel."

1. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in130 people. We represent nearly 40,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers advice, support and information - which is also available from our website: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

2. People with epilepsy who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA); or between five and 16 years; or over 60 years are entitled to a concessionary travel pass for use on buses in Scotland. Anyone diagnosed with epilepsy who has had a seizure within the past 12 months is also entitled to apply.

3. Someone taking a seizure is advised not to drive. People are legally required to inform DVLA of their diagnosis of epilepsy if they hold a driving licence. Their licence will be revoked but can be reapplied for if they have been seizure free for one year. This can come as a huge blow for many people. Apart from a loss of independence, losing a driving licence can be particularly hard to accept if your job involves driving, or if other people rely on you for lifts to work or school.

4. When Transport Scotland introduced the concessionary travel card scheme in 2006 people with epilepsy had to apply to DVLA for proof of eligibility. There were problems with this system so Epilepsy Scotland and specialist nurses lobbied hard for it to be changed. Six months ago Transport Scotland agreed that the epilepsy eligibility form could be signed by a consultant. From this week, specialist nurses and GPs can also sign the form.

5. The revised epilepsy eligibility form for people with epilepsy is available from Epilepsy Scotland's Helpline on 0808 800 2200. You can also get it from local authority offices except in Strathclyde where it is available from the Travel Card Unit Strathclyde Partnership for Transport on 0141 333 3211. Everyone will still need to fill in the pink application for Scotland-wide free bus travel form, NCT 001.

6. Over the last year, the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Epilepsy wrote to the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP about streamlining the travel card application process for people with epilepsy. The Joint Epilepsy Council and some MSPs also wrote to Transport Scotland to encourage changes to the way the system was operating.

http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk