§ 42. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Minister of Health if, in view of his responsibilities for the health and comfort of patients, he will now consider the need for migraine clinics as part of the hospital service, so that the 5 million sufferers from migraine may be provided with satisfactory treatment.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Edith Pitt)Medical staffs have the means to treat migraine in whatever way they judge best.
§ Mrs. McLaughlinSurely my hon. Friend is aware that this is a growing national disease and that there is no 883 adequate migraine treatment available under the National Health Service, as has been proved by a number of writers who are always saying that they cannot get a satisfactory cure but only some sort of minor remedial and old-fashioned help? As there are already clinics in hospitals which could be extended to help migraine sufferers, surely something could be done in this matter?
§ Miss PittFacilities for the treatment of migraine are available in the National Health Service. I doubt my hon. Friend's statement that the number of cases is increasing, though I would wish to look into that. Certainly no one need go without treatment for this complaint, and if any doctor who specialises in this disease chooses to set up a clinic, it is up to him to do so.
§ Mr. RankinCan the hon. Lady tell me of any hospital in Scotland where, under the National Health Service, there is recognised therapy for the treatment of migraine?