Living with chronic or cancer-related pain can be incredibly challenging, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) in Queensland offers specialized support through its Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, a dedicated pain clinic providing comprehensive assessment and management services for individuals experiencing persistent pain.
What is the RBWH Pain Clinic?
The RBWH Pain Clinic, officially known as the Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, is a multidisciplinary outpatient service focused on helping patients manage chronic pain conditions, including cancer pain. Recently relocated to the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) building at 296 Herston Road, Herston, the centre operates alongside other specialist outpatient services, ensuring integrated care.
Services Offered
The clinic provides a range of tailored services aimed at improving patients’ quality of life by addressing persistent pain through various approaches:
- Specialized Outpatient Clinic: Comprehensive assessment and individualized care plans.
- Multidisciplinary Assessments: Including physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy to address the physical, emotional, and functional impacts of pain.
- Pain Interventions: Medical procedures designed to reduce pain symptoms.
- Pain Education and Management Programs: Helping patients understand pain mechanisms and develop self-management strategies.
- Inpatient Consultation Service: For hospitalized patients requiring pain management expertise.
- Consultative Support for Referring Practitioners: Guidance and collaboration with GPs and specialists to optimize patient care.
Who Can Access the RBWH Pain Clinic?
Access to the pain clinic is via referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or medical specialist. Once a referral is received, patients may be placed on a waiting list or contacted directly if no wait is necessary. The clinic prioritizes urgent cases and provides clear communication about appointment scheduling.
Multidisciplinary Team and Approach
The clinic’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary team, which may include:
- Pain Medicine Specialists: Physicians who oversee medical and interventional pain treatments.
- Physiotherapists: Focused on improving mobility and physical function.
- Psychologists: Supporting mental health and coping strategies related to chronic pain.
- Occupational Therapists: Assisting patients in managing daily activities and pacing to reduce pain flare-ups.
- Pharmacists: Optimizing medication use and minimizing side effects.
This team works collaboratively with patients, encouraging active participation in their recovery and self-management.
When to Seek Help from the RBWH Pain Clinic
The clinic is ideal for individuals experiencing:
- Persistent pain lasting longer than three months despite treatment.
- Pain impacting daily function and quality of life.
- Complex pain conditions requiring a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.
- Cancer-related pain needing specialized management.
Additional Support and Referral Information
For urgent pain-related concerns outside clinic hours, patients or healthcare providers can contact the RBWH switchboard to speak with the on-call Persistent Pain Registrar.
Referral Contacts:
- GP and Specialist Hotline: 1300 364 938 (referral enquiries)
- Clinical Advice Line: 1800 569 099 (Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Conclusion
The RBWH Pain Clinic offers a comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to managing persistent and cancer-related pain. By combining medical, physical, and psychological therapies, the clinic empowers patients to regain control over their lives and improve their overall well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic pain, consulting your GP about a referral to the RBWH Pain Clinic could be a vital step towards effective pain management.