The Pain Management Centre

Who are we? 

The pain management centre is linked to the Pain Clinic at North Bristol NHS Trust and provides a service for people suffering with chronic (or persistent) pain. We offer assessments at Southmead Hospital and Cossham Hospital, as well as online and by phone. This service is delivered together with UHBW NHS Foundation Trust and some of our groups take place there in the Central Health Clinic.

The clinical team includes:

• Psychologists.
• Physiotherapists.
• Occupational Therapists.
• Clincal Nurse Specialists.
• Assistants. 

What does the Pain Management Centre do? 

Here at pain management our focus is about managing your pain rather than getting rid of it. Whilst it may feel like the pain is controlling your life, we will help you find ways to gain a sense of control and develop a sense that you do have a choice in what you do.

We will do this by sharing different ways to manage the many consequences that can happen when you live with pain such as effects on mood, sleep, work, movement, relationships with your family, coping with flare ups and other aspects so that you can regain a sense of wellbeing.

Pain Management Information Meeting

For most people, the first step is to come to a pain management information meeting to help you find out more about our service. It is a group meeting at either Southmead Hospital, Cossham Hospital, or Central Health Clinic. 

The meeting is led by two members of the team, and a volunteer who has been through the service in the past. It will last about an hour, and we try to keep it as informal as possible. There are usually 12-20 people there. 

There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions, but you are welcome to just listen. You are welcome to bring one member of your family or a close friend to the meeting as long as they are over 18. 

By the end of the meeting, you will know more about what we do.

What happens after the information meeting?

If after the meeting you decide to be seen by our service you can choose to have an individual appointment with a member of the team. This assessment appointment will take a much broader look at your current coping strategies including the impact of the pain on your mood. 

We can also discuss aspects of the service we offer including group and individual work and a plan will be made with you. 

If you decide that our service is not for you, you will have the opportunity to talk to a member of staff about other options. 

In the past you may have been asked to undergo a physical examination or to demonstrate how the pain is affected by affecting your movement and posture. You will not be asked to do this at your assessment session here.

What do people who have seen us before say?

“Living with pain that doesn’t go away can be hard and make you feel miserable. The support written about in this leaflet can really help you find ways of coping and make your life easier. It’s up to you, but after doing the course you’ll have lots of tools to help give you a better quality of life. Can you afford not to go for it? Come and find out more about how you can make simple changes that will help make life easier!” (Sandra)

“When I was offered a place on the Self Management Programme I was unsure whether I would find it helpful. I went along and found the course leaders very welcoming and friendly. I knew the sessions would not stop my chronic pain, but I hoped I would gain some advice or strategies to help me cope. I was surprised by how interesting and helpful I found the programme. It has given me lots of ways to help cope, including lifestyle changes, helpful thinking and relaxation techniques. I enjoyed learning with a group of people which helped me realise others have the same problems as I have.” 
(Diane)

These are quotes from two of our patients who both attended one of the pain management groups. Not all of our patients attend these courses, and other approaches are available.

What should I do if I can’t attend my appointment?

Please contact the service administrator for the Pain Management Service on 0117 414 7357 who will be happy to help you.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2025. Review due March 2028. NBT002045.