An improved migraine care service as part of the NHS Long Term Plan is expected to save up to 16,500 emergency hospital admissions every year, NHS England said.
The NHS RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit will help local health groups to understand the scale of the migraine problem in their respective area and roll out tried and tested solutions which improve services for patients and free up money and staff time.
The toolkit is developed by clinical experts in the NHS and the Neurological Alliance.
Hugh McCaughey, NHS National Director for Improvement, said: “Headaches and migraines can place a heavy burden on sufferers, the NHS and the wider economy, but we know that there are local health services which are doing really well in meeting people’s needs early in the community, and therefore reducing the need for hospital care.”
“As they work with staff, patients and local partners to implement the NHS Long Term Plan, this initiative will provide all local NHS leaders with the information and proven ideas they need to deliver high-quality headache and migraine services to every communities.”
According to NHS Digital data, the number of hospital admissions in England for headaches and migraines has increased by 14 per cent over the last five years, from 95,548 emergency admissions in 2014-15 to 108,711 in 2018-19.
At the same time, around 2.5 million primary care appointments are linked to headaches and migraines, in which around 100,000 are referred to hospital for further assessment.
Santosh Sahu
