Key to unlocking personal pain

The card contains contact details for the Pain Association and motivational messages that will help patients begin to manage their pain effectively and have been distributed to all NHS Western Isles sites.

The Pain Association holds a monthly class in Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra and anyone with chronic pain is welcome to join the classes at any time.

Individuals can simply self-refer to the class by picking up a form from their GP surgery, community nursing team or hospital receptions, or alternatively ask to be referred by their GP or other healthcare professional.

The Association will also hold an intensive two day self management course in each location over the summer months.

Sonia Cottom, Director of the Pain Association said: “We have worked successfully with NHS Western Isles for several years now, and these business cards are another powerful tool we can offer to patients.

“We are asking that GPs and health care professionals give them to chronic pain patients at appointments, so that the patient leaves the clinic room with something tangible they can refer to whenever they need a quick self management boost.”

Innes Morton, NHS Western Isles Orthopaedic Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP) and Cath McQuade, NHSWI Specialist Musculoskeletal (MSK) Podiatrist, pictured with the cards said: “This card is small but powerful – you can pop it into your wallet or phone case, or the front of the fridge at home and always have a reminder that you are not alone in managing your pain.

If you suffer from chronic pain, ask your health care professional at your next health appointment for information and take the first step on your personal pain management pathway.