A dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse could be in place in the Isle of Man by the start of the 2027-28 financial year.

Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said the proposed full-time, island-based role would cost an estimated £60,000 to £70,000 a year, subject to budget approval and successful recruitment.

The announcement came in Tynwald on Tuesday in response to a question from House of Keys Speaker David Ashford.

Mrs Christian confirmed the island does not currently have a dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse, although patients receive support through a consultant neurologist who visits fortnightly from Liverpool’s Walton Centre for Neurosciences.

Manx Care’s clinical team can also access the Walton Centre’s epilepsy specialist nursing service.

The minister said a local post was being progressed as part of a wider review of neurology services, adding that both her department and Manx Care recognised the need for additional support for people living with epilepsy.

She later clarified that the proposed appointment would be a dedicated epilepsy specialist nurse, rather than a general neurology nurse with an interest in the condition.

The role would provide specialist support to people with epilepsy, helping them manage their condition and navigate their care.

During the exchange, Legislative Council member Kirstie Morphet highlighted pressures facing the island’s neurology services.

She said 661 adults were on the neurology waiting list, with a median wait of 44 weeks.

Mrs Christian was asked whether a specialist nurse could help ease pressure on the service while providing more timely support. She agreed the role could improve patients’ lives and said she had first raised the proposal with Manx Care in July.

The minister said the appointment was a priority but could not be introduced sooner because the previous budget and mandate had already been set.

Mrs Christian added that recruitment to specialist posts could prove challenging, but said the department remained committed to improving support for people living with epilepsy.