Jackson Carlaw MSP is supporting the UK’s leading migraine charity, The Migraine Trust, in their campaign to improve migraine care for people across the country.
One in seven people, around 780,000 in Scotland and 10 million UK-wide, are living with the long-term painful condition of migraine.
A freedom of information request (FOI) to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the relevant health board for the Eastwood constituency, in the middle of 2021 revealed that there are approximately 39 new headache appointments in the region each week.
Based on an average 44-week clinical calendar year, the information uncovered from the FOI indicates around 1716 patients are seen each year at specialist headache clinics in the health board region.
Alongside other Scottish Conservative MSP’s, Mr Carlaw recently met with representatives of the Migraine Trust at the Scottish Parliament to learn more about the work and campaigns of the organization.
At the Holyrood meeting, the Eastwood MSP who has migraines himself, also spoke to other people with the condition about their own personal experience, from challenges at work to difficulties accessing the right treatments and care.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“Migraine is a long-term painful condition that will affect many individuals living within my Eastwood constituency.
“I am pleased to support The Migraine Trust’s work to improve migraine care, and to end the stigma that many people feel exists around the condition.
“As someone who experiences migraines, I know the challenges that can be caused by this health complaint and the recent meeting at Holyrood was a hugely worthwhile event to attend.”
Rob Music, chief executive of The Migraine Trust added:
“It is great to have the support of Jackson Carlaw MSP.
“Migraine is a serious condition that has been both dismissed and underinvested in for too long.
“We’re asking all healthcare systems to review their migraine needs and services, and are encouraging the Scottish Parliament, as well as all employers to be migraine-friendly employers and support The Migraine Trust’s call for real and positive change.”