Professor John Duncan Visits The Meath

Professor Duncan and Chris
16 February 2022

All at The Meath were delighted to welcome Professor John Duncan, Consultant Neurologist at University College London to The Meath on Wednesday 9th February for his first on-site clinic.

Since 1998, Professor Duncan has been medical director of the National Society for Epilepsy and professor of neurology at the Institute of Neurology of University College London. Seven Meath residents usually see Professor Duncan for clinics in London, but this was to be a clinic with a difference.

As the clinic was held on site at The Meath Skills Centre, the seven residents who had an appointment with Professor Duncan and their family members were saved the usual stresses of traveling to London and back. Such journeys and visits can be fraught and challenging when supporting people with complex epilepsy and disabilities. By holding the clinic sessions at The Meath, the seven residents who saw Professor Duncan experienced minimum disruption to their day, with the lack of travel and familiar surroundings helping them to keep relaxed. The on-site clinic was also much appreciated by family members, many of whom commented that the journey to The Meath was far easier for them and could be combined with a visit with their loved one.

The Meath Health Care Team are delighted to have facilitated the day, Chris Paynter, Nurse Practitioner commented “It worked so well, and it had such obvious benefits for the people we support and their family members. As well as being a highly esteemed and eminent Consultant Neurologist, Professor Duncan was brilliant with the people we support. Huge thanks to Professor Duncan for visiting us and to Annie Parker, Epilepsy Nurse for arranging the visit”.

After a busy morning clinic, Chris Paynter was delighted to show Professor Duncan around The Meath for a quick tour of the Skills Centre and Bradbury House. Having visited The Meath once before some twenty years ago, Professor Duncan was pleased to observe many improvements and developments to services. Having briefly met with our Physio and Occupational Therapy Teams and seen some of our new facilities, he commented that “There is so much more on offer now”.

Upon entering Bradbury House, Professor Duncan was spotted by William who had attended clinic with him that morning. Keen to offer his own tour, William proudly showed Professor Duncan and Chris his bedroom, most prized possessions, and his housemates.

The Meath Health Care Team are delighted that Professor Duncan also viewed the day to be a huge success and has kindly booked two more dates for on-site clinics in the future. Special thanks to Professor Duncan for visiting The Meath and to Annie Parker, Epilepsy Nurse for arranging the visit.

After delivering the successful day of clinic sessions for the people we support and their families, Chris Paynter commented that he was grateful to Annie for instigating the visit and to Suzy and Meg, Health Care Co-ordinators for assisting with arrangements.

To find out more about Professor John Visit:

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-consultant/professor-john-duncan