Migraine Care: 10-year Health Plan

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

We constantly review and discuss with pharmacists the range of conditions they cover. It has been one of the highly successful ways of making community-based care available, and we certainly want to continue to work with pharmacists. It is also important to note that more modern treatments are available now on prescription, which will all also support people to manage their condition and will reduce unnecessary A&E admissions.

[Baroness Manzoor (Con)]

My Lords, as has already been mentioned, over 10 million people in the UK suffer from migraine, and it is highly prevalent in women. It is also linked to anxiety and depression. I welcome what the Government are doing in extending women’s health hubs and emphasising mental health in the 10-year plan but, unfortunately, there are no systematic gateways for migraine care in the 10-year plan. How can the Government address this in the light of the significant problem that there is? I am also sorry to hear that the noble Lord, Lord Londesborough, suffers from migraine.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

It is important that we acknowledge that this is a debilitating condition. The noble Baroness is right that it is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting one in five women and one in 15 men. Indeed, it is a major cause of disability. The 10-year plan sets out the main pillars. For example, there will be an updated adult neurology service specification, which will come into being just next month. It was published in August, and I believe it will take account of the points the noble Baroness rightly raises.