In The Spotlight - Nesta Narbad
People are at the centre of everything we do. Those who work at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board make a difference to people’s lives every single day.
Each month, the In The Spotlight campaign shines a light on the different people who make up Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, from those who support behind the scenes, to those who have passions that led them to work in their role.
As an organisation with over 17,000 colleagues, the campaign will highlight the variety of roles, teams and individuals across the health board. Working in the NHS can be life-changing, both for colleagues and for the patients they help.
Nesta Narbad is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Epilepsy based at the Welsh Epilepsy Centre in the University Hospital of Wales. She started this role, which she calls her “dream job,” in March 2024. However, her interest in epilepsy began long before that.
“I've been a registered nurse for almost 30 years”, Nesta explains. “I trained in North Wales as a Learning Disability nurse and have worked in a variety of different roles in Learning Disability services. Over the years, most of the people I have supported have had epilepsy, so I've always had a keen interest in it.
“There have always been nurses in our family and growing up with my brother, who has a Learning Disability and epilepsy, it seemed like a natural career path for me to follow. From a family and carer perspective, I really appreciate how important it is to support not only the person with epilepsy, but also those close to them.
“As a team, we receive referrals for adults who have experienced their first seizure, which is often a very difficult and stressful time for them. We meet patients in clinic where we gather a detailed history of what has happened. Having an eye witness account and detailed description of what happened is invaluable in this process.
“About 10% of the population will have a single seizure at some point in their life, but having a seizure doesn't necessarily mean that you have epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy is usually made after a person has had two or more seizures, at least one day apart.
“There can be many reasons why a person develops epilepsy which is why our patients will have further diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans, electroencephalograms (EEGs), and genetic testing. Although, a definitive cause can’t always be found. After diagnosis is made, we work with the patient to initiate treatment. As epilepsy nurses, we have a key role in providing information, education, advice about the condition, the prescribed treatment, risks, and lifestyle adjustments.
“Receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy is life-changing and can impact every aspect of that person's life, affecting their ability to drive, work, plan a family, to name but a few. We continue to offer support to our patients via our outpatient clinics or by responding to patient queries to our helpline. Every day, we receive calls and emails from patients, family members and other health professionals asking for advice and support.
“I love the variety of people that we have contact with, and the fact that you never know what you might be dealing with when you pick up the phone.”
Being relatively new to the role, Nesta believes that learning from those around her has been key. She said: “I'm fortunate to have been able to learn from my epilepsy nursing colleagues, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. There is so much to learn every day.
“This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, so I would advise anyone to follow their dreams. Take every opportunity you can to shadow more experienced colleagues,
read and learn as much as you can about what you are passionate about and when the opportunity comes along, just go for it.”
Outside of work Nesta loves to bake. “I love baking, and my colleagues are always happy to critique my cakes over a cup of coffee! My husband and I also recently bought a camper van, so we’re looking forward to living the campervan life to the full. We’re planning to do the NC500 (around the North Coast of Scotland), which I’m really excited about.”
https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/in-the-spotlight-nesta-narbad/