Increasing access to migraine treatments in primary care
Community pharmacies could play a transformative role in improving access to care for people living with headaches and migraines. Our report highlights how expanding Pharmacy First to include a clinical pathway for acute headaches and migraines could support up to 1.25 million patients each year. Headaches are now the second leading cause of disability, with migraines affecting 14% of the population, while NHS pressures continue to grow through rising GP appointments, hospital referrals and A&E attendances. Faster access to treatment through community pharmacy would help patients recover sooner, reduce pressure on wider NHS services, and improve access to care, particularly in deprived communities.