Leeds community pain service

Information and support for people in Leeds managing pain.

About the pain service

We specialise in supporting individuals to manage their persistent pain and deliver tailored pain management support for each individuals needs.

The main focus of our service to improve an individual’s quality of life whilst experiencing persistent pain.

We are a self management service. Our staff will provide support, advice and guidance, however it is down to the individual to make these changes.

What is self-management?

Self-management focuses on increasing your knowledge and skills to manage your own health

Evidence shows that when people play an active role in their pain management, with support, they can improve their quality of life living with pain.

Chronic pain can have a big impact on all aspects of your life, including your physical, emotional and mental health as well as relationships, work, sleep, weight, finances and confidence. Each of these factors can negatively affect the pain which is why self-management doesn’t just focus on the physical effects of pain but also the psychological and social aspects.

You are the key. We will teach you the strategies to help manage your pain better, and support you to implement these strategies.

Referrals

All referrals must come directly from a health professional. If you think you would like to come and see us, please visit your GP who can make a referral for you. Please note your GP must be in Leeds to access our service.

Your appointment

Your journey with Leeds community Pain Service starts with a telephone appointment. This will introduce you to the service and start the assessment process.

After an initial telephone contact, you will be offered our Living a better life with pain group (either face to face or online)

After attending the Living a better life with pain group you will be offered a one to one appointment to discuss your pain management plan (face to face or by telephone depending on your preference).

Don’t worry if you are unable to attend our group, you will be offered a one-to-one appointment instead.

Who will you meet during your appointments?

The Community Pain Service team includes a range of specialist NHS healthcare professionals; these include healthcare trainers, nurses, mental health nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapists who work in community settings across Leeds.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about pain

Do you provide pain medication?

We do not prescribe pain medication; your GP remains responsible for any prescriptions. However, we are more than willing to offer advice and information about pain medication, as well as alternative approaches to managing persistent pain. Research has showed that while pain medication can offer some relief, its benefits may be limited, especially when used over extended periods or at high doses.

Can you organise an MRI scan

No. We are not a diagnostic service. Any appropriate scans should have been given prior to a referral to our service.

Can you refer me for a spinal injection or other intervention

The pain service in Leeds is split into 2 parts. The community pain service, which is us, we focus on self-management of long term pain and the hospital-based pain service (LTHT), who do offer some interventions to try to help manage the pain.

If you meet the criteria for a spinal injection than yes, we can refer you to the hospital based pain service, please see the links below about the hospital based pain service