Written question asked by Linda Riordan (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2012. It was answered by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 February 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Pain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether it is his policy that chronic pain is a long-term condition that requires the preparation of care plans.

Answer: The Department recognises chronic pain as a long-term condition, either in its own right or as a component of other long-term conditions. Everyone who suffers persistent pain should have a timely assessment in order to determine the cause of the pain—if a cause can be determined—and to advise on options for treatment, including self-help. Patients with refractory chronic pain will benefit from the care planning approach, but decisions should be taken on an individual basis depending on the severity of symptoms and any co-morbidities.

Secondary information