Health Secretary, Alex Neil, has initiated an improved care system for people suffering from chronic pain. Currently, sufferers have to travel great distances in order to get the help they need, as Scotland, up until now, has been unable to provide this much needed care.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 700,000 Scots, around 70,000 of which, are children. Its affects can stem from many other problems – such as arthritis, back problems, MS, and even cancer. These current sufferers are forced to travel around 400 miles to a centre in Somerset in order to receive the right treatment. Campaigners argue that a specialist centre and better day services is the answer, whereas Alex Neil believes that a "comprehensive service right across the country" is the necessary route to providing better care.
The last time the problem of chronic pain was raised in the Scottish Parliament was back in 2002 – which caused the parliament website to crash due to the overwhelming influx of public response. However, little was done at the time to solve the issue. This week, a debate in Holyrood will hear the minister officially declare a consultation on improved services in Scotland, with the hope that better care will be made available to sufferers of chronic pain. Susan Archibald, a representative of chronic pain sufferers, will be present during the debate.
If you are affected by chronic pain due to an injury, and are looking to claim compensation, please do not hesitate to contact us.