First Fit Adults

First Fit Adults

You have attended the emergency department today and have been diagnosed as having had a fit
or seizure. You have recovered and the doctor has not found any on-going problems that means
you need to stay in hospital. The doctor that has seen you will refer you to the First Fit clinic and
you should receive a date for an appointment within the next 2-4 weeks. The first Fit clinic will
determine whether you need any further investigations and will review the circumstances of your
fit; it would be very helpful if at the first clinic appointment the person who witnessed the seizure
was able to attend as well.

About fits

• 60% of adults who have a fit never have another one.
• You have NOT been diagnosed with epilepsy. There are many causes of fits. Epilepsy
  requires at least two fits which match a particular pattern to make the diagnosis.
• You have been advised not to drive for 6 months or until a specialist changes that
  decision (e.g. in the First Fit clinic).
• You should have a responsible adult with you when you are discharged.
• You should take reasonable precautions when performing certain activities such as
  swimming and climbing ladders.
• You should inform those close to you of this information.
• There is a possibility that you will have another fit.
  

What to do if someone has a fit

• Lay them on their side.
• Protect the person from injury – (remove harmful objects from nearby)
• Cushion their head
• Look for an epilepsy identity card or identity jewellery
• Remove any dangerous items of clothing or jewellery
• Do not force anything into their mouth.
• Do not restrain them.
• Call an ambulance
• Observe what happens so you can give a good account of the fit, as this is very useful for
  the doctor.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your
loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the
ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure
you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where
improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us
including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all
wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank
you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in
charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any
questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve
your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about
any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel
unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.
If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your
concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and
guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware
that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working
day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:

• Contact your GP
• NHS 111: Telephone 111
• Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
• Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
• In an emergency telephone 999

Emergency Department (A&E)
Alexandra Hospital
Woodrow Drive
Redditch B98 7UB
Tel: 01527 512030

Minor Injury Unit
Kidderminster Hospital
Bewdley Road
Kidderminster DY11 6RJ
Tel: 01562 513039

Emergency Department (A&E)
Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester WR5 1DD
Tel: 01905 760743

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