More Than a Conclusion: Our Ongoing Commitment to Megan’s Family and Clinical Change
Megan was 17 weeks pregnant when she died in June 2022 of SUDEP – Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Today, the inquest concluded into the death of Megan Gardiner. Megan was 17 weeks pregnant when she died in June 2022 of SUDEP – Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. She was just 25. This inquest conclusion comes after a long and gruelling four-year fight for the family.
The thoughts of everyone at SUDEP Action are with Megan’s family today. We have stood alongside them since Megan and her baby died so suddenly—supporting them before and during this inquest—and we will continue to stand with them as they move forward.
This was the first inquest in Wales to look at the significance of SUDEP risk discussions in epilepsy care. Today, the Coroner asked the Health Board to clarify within 28 days how the individualised risk of SUDEP will be discussed in future, including a plan to reduce risk.
SUDEP Action has worked successfully in a number of local areas to support informed epilepsy risk communication practice between health professionals and people with epilepsy. This has seen increasing communication rates among patients from 10-80%, reducing risk, and changing clinical practice.
Today’s outcome confirms exactly why our work at SUDEP Action with bereaved families is so vital. The court has finished its process, but our mission to secure a modern standard of safety addressing the SUDEP and epilepsy risk gap continues.
A detailed response to follow.
