To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans he has to expand training opportunities for healthcare professionals in migraine diagnosis and management.

In the context of ongoing capacity constraints within neurology services, the final report of my Department’s Regional Review of Neurology Services proposes a range of recommendations to support the growth and development of the neurology workforce.

The report recommends significant growth across the Consultant, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (AHP) workforce. In addition to this growth, the report also recommends the development of a broader skill mix through the development and growth of extended roles such as GPs with Enhanced Roles, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Consultant AHP roles and Specialty and Specialist Doctors. This will provide increased opportunities for healthcare professionals to develop skills in the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions including migraine.

More widely, the report recommends increased exposure in Neurology for medical trainees to generate interest in the specialty and maximise recruitment to the Neurology Training Programme. It also proposes a specific recommendation for training in Neurology for non-Neurology hospital specialists and across the wider HSC workforce to support the management of people with neurological conditions including migraine.

My officials are currently undertaking an analysis of responses to the recent public consultation on the final report of the review to inform next steps. However, I must be clear that implementation of the report’s recommendations will require significant additional funding. While I am committed to carefully considering the need for additional funding, the scale and pace of implementation may have to be adjusted in line with the funding available.