Persistent pain service - North

The Persistent Pain Service is a multidisciplinary team consisting of Pain Consultants (Anaesthetists), Physiotherapists, an Occupational Therapist and a Psychologist.

The main aim of the service is not to treat the pain directly but about teaching our patients skills and strategies which they can develop and use to manage their pain more effectively. We aim to improve our patients physical function, fitness and emotional wellbeing. Most patients are managed in this way, however there are always certain patients who benefit from a medical review and possible intervention with the Pain Consultants.

Information and about us

Important information regarding Covid-19

Due to the current guidance from NHS England, related to the Covid-19 pandemic, all appointments with the Pain Team have been placed on hold. We will be in contact with patients who have already been referred to us, in order to offer an appointment, when the service is back up and running again and we have been given permission to book patients in.

In the meantime we will be offering a limited service providing specific advice and guidance relating to patients who are currently being supported by the pain team and general advice and guidance regarding any other pain related queries you may have e.g. medications, self-management, online resources etc.

The number to call for the above service is 01271 337820 where you will be able to leave a voice message and the email to contact is ndht.pain@nhs.net . We will do our best to reply to all enquiries in a prompt manner Monday to Friday however please be aware that there may be a delay in the time it takes to respond.

Many thanks for your support

Northern Devon Healthcare Trust Pain Team

Where to find us

Persistent Pain Service
Level 1
North Devon District Hospital
EX31 4JB

Meet the team

Alan Bennett – Pain Consultant and Anaesthetist
Lucy Miller – Pain Consultant, Anaesthetist and Persistent Pain Lead
Gerri De Vries – Specialist Occupational Therapist
Matthew Lund – Specialist Physiotherapist and Therapy Team Lead
Kate Pearson – Clinical Psychologist
David Sanders – Specialist Physiotherapist
Alison Beard – Admin Support
Sharon Cloak – Admin Support
Linsey Limer – Admin Support
Lorraine Scott – Admin Support
Gill Bryan – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Rhea Crighton – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Alicia Stevenson – Clinical Nurse Specialist

Physiotherapist – You may have already seen a physiotherapist but because our physiotherapists have specialist training in pain management a different approach will be used.

The main aim is often not to reduce or relieve pain as there is good evidence that increasing what you are able to do is an important step in empowering self-management. This is achieved through developing the skills and building the confidence required to help improve your physical ability, general level of fitness, quality of life and mental wellbeing. This may still involve hands on therapy or exercise.

Pain Consultant – Are able to perform medical assessments and request further tests if required. They can review any medication you take to help optimise its effectiveness whilst reducing any side effects. Where appropriate injection techniques or other interventions may also be considered.

Psychologist – Living with pain can often affect how we think and feel. For example not being able to do the things you enjoy in your life can lead to feeling depressed, anxious, tense or worried. This affects some people more than others and makes pain more difficult to manage which is where our psychologist can help.

Occupational Therapist – Living with pain is stressful and research has shown that the body’s pain system and stress reactions do affect each other. Our OT will help you to understand this and provide you with opportunities to learn skills and strategies to re-regulate the body’s stress reaction allowing you to manage pain in the most effective way.

Groups – we also offer evidenced based groups. These enable you to understand chronic pain, stress and the impact this has on your life helping to improve your health and sense of wellbeing.

Referral to the group will be discussed with you on an individual basis and can be made by any member of the team.

Services and treatment

Patient information leaflets

We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital.

We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.

Find out more