Bruce Crawford MSP is saying yes to Epilepsy Scotland’s call to action to do more for people with epilepsy.

Mr Crawford MSP said: "I agree with Epilepsy Scotland’s campaign that we provide the best health and social care possible for those who need it.

" There are over 700 people of all ages living with epilepsy in my Parliamentary constituency. Research findings suggest that while just over half of people with epilepsy have seizure control, seven in ten could become seizure free if they received optimum care.

“It takes time to increase public knowledge and understanding which is why National Epilepsy Week is important.

"If highlighting my vote of support for epilepsy through social media and the press gets people talking and learning a bit more about epilepsy, that’s what matters.”

Epilepsy Scotland chief executive Lesslie Young added: "For far too long the thousands of people and families across Scotland living with the condition have, for a variety of reasons, experienced patchy access to appropriate services; in some areas no service at all. This is something MSPs can address in this new Parliament.

"Our message is simple; investing in epilepsy management now can save lives as well as unnecessary costs for the NHS. Being able to access appropriate resources helps those who develop this common neurological condition today and for years to come.

“Epilepsy should not stop anyone from reaching whatever their potential is or having the best possible quality of life in spite of their condition and what may come with it.

"Achieving that goal is dependent on many things; equity of access to information, education, clinical support, social support, support for families and carers and of course funding.

"These are challenging times, but I believe the benchmark of a truly caring and inclusive civic society is the way in which we respond and meet the varied yet basic needs of our most vulnerable individuals and their families. Support from our Scottish Parliament will help to achieve this.”