Pain Management Programme FAQ

Where is the Pain Management Programme (PMP) based?

We are based in the Sid Watkins building which is a part of the Walton Centre. The Walton Centre itself is based on the Aintree Hospital site in north Liverpool. 

How do I get referred to the Pain Management Programme?

Most of our referrals come either from a GP or a healthcare professional involved in treating pain conditions.

What happens after I have been referred?

Once you have been referred, we will contact you and offer an appointment for our assessment clinic. During the assessment you will be seen by a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and Specialist Pain Consultant. Each member of the team will ask you different questions about your pain and how it has affected you, in order to understand all your needs. It is also an opportunity for you to ask the team any questions you might have about our service. At the end of the clinic we will let you know whether we think you are suited to one of our pain management programmes, or if we can support you in any way.

I have hearing / visual / mobility / reading difficulties, can I still attend the programme?

Where possible, we are happy to make reasonable adjustments for people with additional needs. It is helpful if you can inform us in advance if any additional support is required by ringing 0151 556 3164.

The Trust provides a hearing loop system for those who are hearing impaired.

What is the difference between the programmes you offer?

• Timescale: The 15 day and Young Adult PMPs run for three full days a week (Tuesday to Thursday) for a five week period. Our five-day PMP runs one day per week for five weeks either on a Monday or Friday. The Pelvic PMP runs on a Monday and lasts seven weeks, whilst the Older Adult and Facial PMP both run on a Friday for eight weeks.

• Content: Specialised PMPs have been developed where additional or different content is beneficial. The core themes of pain management remain central in these specialised programmes with the additional material providing a more tailored approach to best meet the needs of our patients.

Hotel accommodation and transport

Patients attending a PMP who live a significant distance from The Walton Centre are provided with accommodation in a local hotel. Patients staying in the hotel are self-caring or have their carer staying with them. The accommodation has three fully disabled access rooms. Other rooms are accessible for those with restricted mobility. Breakfast and evening meal is provided. Transport to and from The Walton Centre is available.

What happens after I have completed a Pain Management Programme?

We aim to provide you with the skills and understanding to manage pain in the long-term and to enable you to lead a more active and fulfilled life. You will benefit most from a PMP if you continue to put into practice what you have found helpful. Similarly, the skills and techniques we cover can be used in a variety of situations to aid effective pain management. Recognising the flexibility of these skills and their applicability to many circumstances in life is important.

However, whilst we aim to promote skills in long-term pain management, for all of our PMPs, we will offer you a follow up appointment to find out how you are doing and to support you with using PMP skills in the longer term. The follow up appointments also give you an opportunity to ask us any questions you have about how you have managed since completing the PMP.