A SPECIALIST nurse has won a regional hero award for the second year running for her work supporting people living with epilepsy.

Elaine Westall, from Braintree, was recognised for the outstanding care and support she provides and the way she goes above and beyond for people affected by epilepsy.

She was nominated by a patient for the annual award which is organised by the charity Epilepsy Action.

Elaine said: "Knowing that a patient took the time to nominate me and share their experience was incredibly moving. I was genuinely so surprised not only to be nominated but to win this award two years in a row.

"It is a real honour to be able to help people through what can be a very difficult time, as an epilepsy diagnosis can affect a person's life in so many ways.

"I work very closely with my colleague, Nani Gilgunn, who specifically supports people with a learning disability and epilepsy. It is very much a team effort and a privilege."

One of just 12 to receive the award across the country, Elaine is based at Broomfield Hospital, where she has been an Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist for the past 12 years.

Elaine works with adults, including those who were diagnosed as children and those managing pregnancy alongside their condition. She helps them stay well and avoid hospital admissions.

advertisement

She said the most rewarding part of being an epilepsy specialist nurse is building relationships with patients and seeing the difference her support and advice can make.

The awards also celebrate the important role epilepsy specialist nurses play in neurology teams. They are essential to the smooth running of epilepsy services, helping people with epilepsy manage their long-term condition, whilst carrying on with everyday life.