The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition has held an event at the Senedd this week (Tuesday 3rd December) aiming to highlight the issues facing those who live with persistent pain in Wales.
The event was sponsored by Russell George AM.
The Montgomeryshire AM chaired the event which heard from Wales' leading pain experts, people living with pain, and other stakeholders to discuss the issues facing people living with persistent pain.
The Chronic Pain Policy Coalition also called on the Welsh Government to work with them and other stakeholders to ensure the implementation of new guidance at the earliest opportunity.
Following the event, Mr George said:
"I was delighted to be able to sponsor this reception at the Senedd to raise the profile of the issues facing those who live with chronic pain conditions in Wales and to encourage the Welsh Government to work more closely with the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition and other key stakeholders to implement the guidance which was introduced earlier this year.
"The closure of the chronic pain service at Oswestry's Orthopaedic Hospital earlier this year was deeply disappointing for many of my Montgomeryshire constituents who relied on the chronic pain service which was provided at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.
"The service, which sought to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life for those who suffer with chronic pain conditions, served 400 patients in Mid and North Wales, many of whom were left in the lurch after receiving little or no communication about their future pain management provision after the closure of the service.
"In many respects, chronic pain management, is a forgotten service and experiences a number of operational and clinical challenges so I am hopeful that this event, which heard from a number of leading pain policy experts as well as other stakeholders will encourage the Welsh Government to work with the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition and others with an interest in this area to implement the guidance at the earliest opportunity to strengthen the overall provision of chronic pain management in Wales."
