FRIDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHS Tayside supports Self Management Week for those with chronic pain

Healthcare services across NHS Tayside are working with public partners and third sector organisations to showcase the self management support available in Tayside to support adults living with chronic pain.

There will be a series of information stands across Tayside during national Self Management Week which runs from 29 September until 3 October.

Stands with information for those living with chronic pain will be available all week in Kings Cross, Perth Royal Infirmary, Stracathro Hospital, Arbroath Infirmary, Links Health Centre in Montrose, in all physiotherapy departments in Angus and the Jobcentre Plus in the Wellgate Centre, Dundee. There will also be an information stand in the concourse at Ninewells on Tuesday, 30 September with staff on hand to answer questions.

Rhona Guild, Service Improvement Lead, Chronic Pain with NHS Tayside, said, “Chronic pain is a pain that has lasted for longer than three months and is recognised as a long term condition in its own right. It may, or may not, be associated to another long term condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

“Chronic pain can affect people in many ways, with a potential impact on mood, relationships and activity. Chronic pain can fluctuate and be unpredictable, making it challenging to manage.

“Getting rid of the pain completely might not be possible, but there is a great deal that can be done to reduce the chronic pain experienced and improve the quality of life of those affected. There is wealth of information and help out there which can be accessed at the information stands.

“Many people living with chronic pain tell us that it is important to feel in control of the pain, rather than the pain controlling them. Self management is one aspect of managing chronic pain and largely involves understanding it and developing skills and techniques to manage the pain and prepare for flare-ups.”

Further information:

• The Health & Social Care Alliance Scotland have a vision for Scotland where people who live with long term conditions, such as chronic pain, and their unpaid carers have a voice and live well. Further information about the work of the ALLIANCE can be found at www.alliance-scotland.org.uk or by calling 0141 404 0231.

• There is a national website available at www.chronicpainscotland.org.

• Pain Association Scotland runs monthly groups for people with chronic pain, in Arbroath, Dundee and Perth. A new group is due to start in Forfar in October. These groups allow people access to peer support and ongoing education about chronic pain. Anyone interested in knowing more can call 0800 783 6059 or access the website on www.chronicpaininfo.org.

• Pain Concern works closely with NHS Tayside providing information about chronic pain, both in written format but also in radio shows and online. Further information can be accessed by calling 0300 123 0789 or at www.painconcern.org.uk.

Ends

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson,

NHS Tayside

Communications Department,

01382 740716