Persistent Non Malignant Pain Service

Our understanding of persistent pain, the research on it, and intervention for it has changed hugely over the last 15 years.  

We now have a greater understanding of ‘Central Sensitisation’ and the benefits of a psychosocial approach to assisting people with maximising their functioning and quality of life despite their pain. 

Whilst the Service delivers a psychosocial model of intervention, the GP with Special Interest may suggest some medication adjustments or provide guidance on how to assist your patient with reducing their medication. 

What your client/patient can expect from the Service:

  • Education on persistent pain;
  • Support with achieving goals despite the pain;
  • Help to reduce emotional distress;
  • Support to promote self-management;
  • Support to reduce reliance on medication and health professionals.

Useful YouTube clips:

Understanding pain in less than 5 minutes

Brainman stops his opioids

For more information

Refer to Health Pathways

Contact

E-mail: nikola.huntingford@nbph.org.nz
Phone: 03 543 7829

Who can access this service?

The service is available to anyone:

  • At risk of developing significant persistent pain problem;
  • Aged 16 years and over with persistent pain which has lasted for more than 3 months;
  • For whom all curative treatment options have been explored.

Please note, while the service may in some cases include aspects of medical management, the focus is not on a pharmaceutical approach to the management of pain.

How to be referred

GP to complete and submit a CCCC form

Exclusion criteria

  • Cancer-related pain, unless referred by the Palliative Care Service;
  • A hospital inpatient;
  • A patient who has currently been referred to or is being seen by another Chronic Pain Service;
  • Uncontrolled alcohol or substance abuse;
  • Psychosis or other major psychiatric illness;
  • Patients who are housebound/unable to attend outpatient clinic;
  • New amputees (less than three months;)
  • Patients awaiting assessment and/or under investigations, or with surgery pending.