Emma Kassim

Learning Disability Epilepsy Support/Transition Nurse, St Ann’s Hospital, Haringey, London

I am working in Enfield Integrated Learning Disability Service as L/D Epilepsy Support/Transition Nurse. EILDS is a community team which consists of health and social care staff from Enfield council and the NHS. The team support adults (18+) with learning disabilities, families, and carers. The team also works alongside children’s services to plan their transition into adulthood. EILDS aim to support PWLD to be healthy, independent and valued member of the community. My responsibilities are to support people with epilepsy, learning disabilities and complex needs as well as their carers and families to manage epilepsy safely and reduce the risks associated with SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). Collaborating with neurology and GPs in providing quality of care to patient. I also support children (16-18) who are transitioning from children to adults’ services.

I hope that the FoNS programme will enable me to start developing skills for my leadership journey. I hope the networking opportunities with my peers enables me to discuss challenges and restrictions within my role and opportunities to explore the impact of my practice. I am keen to understand more about emotional intelligence and how I can become a better practitioner. I always work using person-centred approaches. I hope the programme offers me exposure to alternative way of ensuring client engagement and participation.

As part of my role I review and update pathways, processes and policies to ensure that our service users are getting the most appropriate person-centred care in a timely manner. I would like to explore ways of introducing co production into our service development ensuring good quality service provision. I am hoping the fellowship will offer opportunities to develop my skills and awareness around engaging service users in the development of services.