Hansard

I know that there is a challenge with identifying follow-up appointments in the data that is collected. One of the commitments in the framework is to improve the quality of the data that is collected so that it is robust and reliable and so that we can get a better picture of the issue that Pam Duncan-Glancy raised. We are aware of that gap, and we are absolutely determined to get the appropriate data so that we can tackle that problem.

We know that some people face long waits, and, through our framework, we are taking action to work with pain service managers to improve the pathways into specialist care. That includes improving referrals and access to the Scottish national residential pain management programme, which provides the highest level of care for people with chronic pain. That programme is funded by the Scottish Government to the value of approximately £500,000 each year. We are also testing new digital options to offer greater choice to people with chronic pain on how they engage with their care.

It is essential that safe and effective support is provided for people with chronic pain. Our framework aim on that will deliver improved outcomes from pain management services by promoting sustainable delivery of effective, evidence-based care.

Expert working groups are working towards that by reviewing national guidance and promoting safer, more appropriate use of medication as part of pain management strategies. They are also identifying opportunities to improve the consistency and delivery of specialist interventions for chronic pain.

The final aim in our framework focuses on improving services to deliver a better experience and better outcomes for people with chronic pain. The report by our lived experience pain management panel that we have published today and the responses to our public consultation on the draft framework have highlighted that improving professional knowledge of chronic pain is a key priority in improving the experience of people with chronic pain.

To do that, we have already established a new national multidisciplinary pain education group, which has developed a comprehensive knowledge and skills framework for healthcare professionals at all levels and in all settings. That, along with other training and improvement resources, will soon be available on a new pain management knowledge hub hosted by NHS Education for Scotland. That will provide a one-stop shop for our public and third sector workforce to drive improvement and consistency in pain management training across our services.

We also acknowledge the need to provide the staffing levels and the workforce that are required to deliver pain management support and services. Our framework has reiterated the commitment that is set out in our “National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care in Scotland”, and work is under way to progress future training programmes. Those will support the development of the pain management workforce at specialist and non-specialist levels.

Today, I have spoken about how the Scottish Government will begin to address the impact of chronic pain across Scotland through the clear and realistic actions that are outlined in our implementation plan. We are committed to rapidly improving care and services for people with chronic pain. To do that, we are establishing a dynamic approach, which includes a new governance structure and a shift of focus to building delivery capacity. New working groups are being created—some of those are already operational—to bring together policy, clinical and service expertise at the national level.

Fundamentally, the approach is informed by the diverse voices of lived experience, including those of members of our pain management panel and local views that have been gathered by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

I reiterate my personal commitment, and that of the Scottish Government, to continue to listen, to learn and to act to make sure that every person with chronic pain is able to access safe, effective and person-centred support to help them to manage their condition and to live well with pain.

I move,

That the Parliament recognises the impact of chronic pain on people’s health and wellbeing in Scotland; welcomes the publication of the Framework for pain management service delivery - implementation plan; notes the actions to improve care and services being taken in partnership with people with chronic pain, NHS staff and services, the third sector and other key stakeholders; supports the focus on delivering person-centred care and improving access to local support for pain; recognises the efforts to increase NHS staff skills and knowledge of chronic pain and its impact, and agrees with the commitment to improve the consistency and quality of pain management services across Scotland.