Persistent pain service update

Taranaki's persistent pain service is continuing as an allied health-led service, consistent with the Te Manawa Taki regional model. The service focuses on persistent non-cancer pain, functional restoration and self-management, and a biopsychosocial approach to pain care. There is currently no local SMO persistent pain medicine support, and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. As a result, the service is not able to provide specialist medical review, interventional pain procedures, or initiation of complex pharmacological regimens requiring physician oversight. Acute pain provision remains unchanged.

Referrals to the Persistent pain service are welcome and will be triaged for suitability within an allied health-only model. To support effective triage, referrals should confirm that appropriate primary care management has been undertaken, demonstrate a clear focus on functional impact and goals rather than pain intensity alone, and indicate that the patient is likely to benefit from education, rehabilitation, and self-management support. Please include the duration and nature of the pain condition, functional impairment and relevant psychosocial factors, treatments already trialled, and relevant comorbidities and investigations. Referrals that fall outside the scope of the service may be returned with advice.

Patients requiring SMO persistent pain medicine input — for example, for complex medication decision-making or interventional procedures — will need to continue to be managed within primary care using best-practice guidance, or referred to external services such as ACC or private providers as appropriate.

Referral guidance and management pathways are available via HealthPathways. For queries about the service or referral suitability, contact Kate Shelver (allied lead) or Landi Cranstoun (GP liaison).