Taoiseach marks CUH clinic anniversary

Taoiseach Micheál Martin returned to the HSE South West Migraine clinic at Cork University Hospital (CUH) recently, 25 years after he officially opened the facility when he was Minister for Health and Children.

The clinic, established at the Department of Neurology at CUH in September 2000, has treated more than 8,000 patients since then.

In his address, Mr Martin spoke about the clinic’s impact over the last quarter of a century.

“I want to congratulate the team at the Migraine Clinic for their fantastic work in supporting people suffering from what is the most common neurological disorder.

“Since it opened in 2000, the clinic has treated over 8,000 patients, allowing them access to the most up-to-date care. Over the past 25 years, there have been significant advances in the management of migraine, and this CUH clinic has allowed patients in the region access to the many new therapies coming on the scene.”

Dr Eddie O’Sullivan has been the clinical director, and Ethna Mitten the clinical nurse specialist in migraine, since the clinic opened

“As a condition, migraine has traditionally been underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood, with individuals often suffering in silence with attacks impacting greatly on their personal, social and family lives,” said Dr O’Sullivan.

“We are proud of our work in helping some of the most difficult to treat patients, and supporting them to live their day-to-day life. The Migraine Association of Ireland, under the chairmanship of Audrey Craven, was the driving force and advocate behind the establishment of migraine clinics. The association has challenged the many stereotypical views and perceptions about migraine.

“Thanks in part to the association’s advocacy, CUH opened the country’s second migraine clinic in 2000, which in turn has raised the profile, increased awareness and helped overcome the many misconceptions and prejudices against migraine patients. ”

Priscilla Lynch, integrated healthcare area manager, Cork South and West, said the Migraine Clinic represents the kind of multi-disciplinary, integrated and practical interventions that HSE South West wants to offer to the entire population.