Rochdale Woman of the Year Kath O’Donnell left in 'immense pain' following pain management service transfer

Kath O’Donnell at the Woman of Rochdale 2017 celebrations

Following the transfer of pain management services in the Rochdale Borough, service user Kath O’Donnell says the transition has left her in the middle of nowhere for treatment.

The new service, delivered by Pain Management Solutions (PMS), was commissioned by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG (HMR CCG) in September last year.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105137/new-pain-management-service

Pain management services were provided by Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust (PAHT) at Rochdale Infirmary, Oldham General, Fairfield and North Manchester. Treatments included medication, low level laser therapy, physiotherapy and injections.

The new service by Pain Management Solutions (PMS) offers different pain management courses from General Practitioners and community venues, including exercise therapy, physiotherapy and psychological therapy, plus limited use of prescribed injections.

At the time, a spokesperson for HMR CCG said: “From April 2017, the CCG will work with PAHT and PMS to support the move to the new pain service where patients can access the outlined treatments.” “

However, Kath, from Littleborough, who has had treatment for severe pain and spinal arthritis since 1999, says the transition has left her feeling helpless with no support.

She says she was suddenly discharged from the service and last received her injections at the end of June.

Kath, who was voted Rochdale’s Woman of the Year 2017, said: “I have had treatment since 1999, and it is a lifesaver for the pain relief. I rang Pain Management Solutions to see what was next in my treatment. Unfortunately, they have not received any information about me, so I rang the pain clinic, who told me there was nothing they could do as I was nothing to do with them anymore.”

She continued: “I just think this is ridiculous, that we the patients who are suffering immense pain have to chase up the transition to see where we are in the system. My concern is not just for myself, but all the others who are going through this.

“I am laid here in bed in agony and do not know where to turn. I have got all the pain-relieving medications, which give awful side effects – being sick on a daily basis, memory loss, slurred speech, dizziness, to name a few.

“I feel I have nowhere to turn now; I am in the middle of no man’s land for treatment. I am constantly on high levels of pain medication and still in pain. It is tiring and the meds have their own downside of awful side effects." 

Initially, a spokesperson for HMR CCG said: “NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group commissioned Pain Management Solutions to provide a new innovative pain service encouraging patients to try a range of measures to manage their pain. Our new service is led by consultants in pain medicine and is delivered by a multi-disciplinary group of healthcare professionals.

“PMS has a proven track record of delivering pain services in other areas of the country, including north Manchester. It offers a variety of clinical and psychological methods for patients to cope with chronic pain.

“We are working closely with The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and PMS pain clinics to try and make the transition as smooth as possible for all patients. If any patients would like to raise any issues they can contact either the provider or our PALS team on 0161 212 6270 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays); by email: patientservices.gmcsu@nhs.net; and we will investigate and resolve together.”

Despite making several phone calls over the past couple of weeks, Kath is yet to receive a response.

She continued: “I rang the number given and was told it would be looked into as they work with both the Pain Clinic and PMS. I rang again on Friday 15 September and was told the enquiry was sent to Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, who should have contacted me. I was told I would have a response by the end of the day, but I had a call from Pennine saying they would look into it. I have not heard anything since.

She concluded: “I am very annoyed at this. These injections are our lifeline. I feel helpless: this is horrendous for us who need help for pain.”

HMR CCG did not respond to a further invitation to comment.