Launch of the APPG

Launch of the APPG – 11 May 2009

Click this link to see some event pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/policyconnect/sets/72157617994253137/

Patients, doctors and leading medical experts joined parliamentarians from all parties this week to mark the first meeting of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Chronic Pain.

Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, in his recently unveiled annual health review highlighted that patient services have not kept up with growing demand leaving too many people struggling to cope with their symptoms.

The All-Party Group is backing Sir Liam’s call for doctors to be better trained in chronic pain and for patients to have their pain measured with quick access to local pain clinics around the country.

Dr Beverly Collett, Consultant in pain medicine and chair of the CPPC, who spoke at the event, said:

“Pain is something which affects many of us; it impacts on lives, families and work. However, we know that often those who are diagnosed are not always able to access the kind of help which will allow them to best manage their condition.

This new group is important in helping raise awareness of the condition and how chronic pain affect patients and their family. With MPs support, it will provide a crucial forum for policy discussion and debate to hopefully help boost patient services for constituents.”