Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Often those living with persistent pain can suffer from symptoms which can affect all aspects of their lives. It is estimated between 11% and 20% of the population live with some form of persistent pain, conditions which can also have a serious effect on mental health, ability to work and relationships with friends and family.
In recognition of the significant impact these conditions can have on people’s lives, the Welsh Government asked a task and finish group consisting of clinical and academic partners and people living with persistent pain to co-produce guidance relating to persistent pain management and to make recommendations for service development.
This new guidance replaces the Service Development and Commissioning Directive for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain, which was first published in 2008. The Living with Persistent Pain in Wales guidance can be found here: https://gov.wales/people-experiencing-persistent-pain-guidance.
This guidance recommends a number of actions for the NHS to improve pain services and support non-specialist staff to understand the various treatments available. These include supported self-management, improving awareness of persistent pain for primary care staff and the public, advising on the range of treatment techniques available and improved information sharing. An All Wales Implementation Group will be established to support health boards to implement the recommendations within the guidance.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all members of the task and finish group for their hard work in the preparation of the guidance, which I am pleased to publish today.