Chronic pain recognised as a disease in its own right by the Department of Health

Rt Hon Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services announced that the Department of Health recognised chronic  pain as a condition it its own right. In response to a parliamentary question asked by Linda Riordan MP Chair if the All Party Chronic Pain Group Mr Burstow said:

"The Department recognises chronic pain as a long-term condition, either in its own right or as a component of other long-term conditions. Everyone who suffers persistent pain should have a timely assessment in order to determine the cause of the pain—if a cause can be determined—and to advise on options for treatment, including self-help. Patients with refractory chronic pain will benefit from the care planning approach, but decisions should be taken on an individual basis depending on the severity of symptoms and any co-morbidities"