Dr Chinwe Ude

I am a paediatric consultant with in-depth clinical acumen in general paediatric conditions and I have additional expertise in children's epilepsy and neurology. In particular, I care for many children with concerns about fits, falls and funny turns, sleep difficulties, and chronic headaches. My background in epilepsy/neurology stems from an extensive training in neurology at Cambridge University Hospital, Addenbrookes, where I completed special interest training.

I am also experienced with managing the complexities around other conditions such as cerebral palsy and other neuro-disabilities. I can help if your child is suffering from sleep difficulties and need an initial assessment or advice on dealing with this common problem. I also treat children with migraines and other chronic headache disorders and can provide a comprehensive care plan for any child with a diagnosis of epilepsy – a care plan is a vital document for schools and other carers to support the child and family with the diagnosis and includes travel plans for when they have to go on holiday.

I have been an NHS consultant since 2016 and I am currently the Clinical Lead for the Paediatric Epilepsy and Neurology Service (PENS) in my NHS Trust. I run weekly clinics in general paediatric, epilepsy and neurology over 42 weeks of the year; meaning I hold at least 1,680 consultations a year in our clinics. In addition, I hold a Joint Neurology Clinic as well as Complex Epilepsy Clinics alongside Neurologists from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital.

I also supervise the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Clinics and cover acute paediatric in our Children's Ward and Neonatal Unit, as well as the Paediatric Emergency Department and Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU).

I am the Directorate's Link Consultant for the Trust's transition programme to ePMA (electronic prescribing). I am also leading on our Epilepsy Transition Service.

In addition to clinical work, I am an Honorary Lecture at Brighton University for the MSc in Paediatrics Programme and a proud Health Advisor and Ambassador for the Roald Dahl's Children's Charity (this is a marvellous charity which raises money to fund Specialist Nurses for children with life limiting diagnoses).

I volunteer for Age UK Medway where I am a Befriender for the Charity. I recently received a certificate award as a Thank You from the Charity for our contribution in that last year during the pandemic.

I am a warm and caring person who is passionate about advocating for children and young people; their health needs, service provision, and health outcomes. I connect well with my young patients at their level; recognising that each child is an individual with their own unique personality and health needs. This enables me to deliver the best possible care for my patients.