Chronic pain is usually defined as pain which has persisted beyond normal healing time. It affects more than 11% of the population. Most of these patients are managed in the community by their General Practitioners and in most cases primary care offers the potential to address all aspects of chronic pain.

The Waitemata DHB Pain Management Unit is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping Waitemata patients manage their pain better.

Pain management often involves learning different ways of thinking and acting so that pain interferes less with life. A self-management approach requires an individual and their whanau to play an active role in their pain management. This approach emphasises an improvement in quality of life and function, rather than a cure. We work in close conjunction with your General Practitioners and other hospital specialists. We are realistic in planning sensible and achievable goals. We do not 'take over' patient management but act to support your GP.

Individuals who seek a quick fix, or are searching for specific physical interventions will tend to be less successful than those who are prepared to look at all modes of management (including psychology and activity programmes).

 
Staff

• Consultants (see below under "Consultants")
• Mark Cranswick - Physiotherapist
• Dieter Dvorak - Clinical Health Psychologist
• Kim Edmeades - Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Diane Alessi - Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Chrissy Sherwood - Clinical Nurse Specialist
• David Rice - Clinical Researcher
• Claire McGuinniety - Clinical Pharmacist
• Karen Jamieson - Administrator
• Jan Lucas - Administrator

When your doctor refers you to the Pain Management Clinic you will be sent a detailed pain questionnaire. It is essential you complete all parts of the form as it helps with your pain management plan and allows us to assess how your pain is affecting all aspects of your life. This information is reviewed and your need for an appointment prioritised resulting in you being placed on a waiting list accordingly. If at this stage it is felt that more information is required you or the referrer will be contacted. An appointment will be made for you as an outpatient. If you cannot make your appointment please phone and let us know.

When you come to your appointment please feel free to bring someone with you for support. This can be really helpful. At the first appointment you will be seen by at least one member of the team, a history taken with clinical examination as required and discussion afterwards. This may take up to 60 - 70 minutes and a full report will be sent to your referring doctor and GP.

The consultation may result in any of the following outcomes:

• to continue on present treatment pathway
• to provide additional information, education and reassurance
• to start or alter medication plan
• to advise on activity programmes and refer to specific practitioner
• to advise on psychological interventions and tools and refer to specialist clinician
• to organise a multidisciplinary meeting with pain clinic staff, you as well as perhaps your GP to optimise a treatment plan
• to suggest an intervention (e.g. injection).

Follow up
You are welcome to contact the Pain Clinic during working hours. You should expect a reply within 2-3 working days from a member of the team. For urgent issues contact your GP or hospital.

There are no charges for New Zealand citizens or those with permanent residency when they are treated in the public hospital. All non-residents and visitors will be billed for the full cost of the consultations and treatment.