Pain management clinic in this hospital was one of choose and book services. Due to lack of previous reviews I have studied their website prior to choosing and booking. Looked good and inviting offering multidisciplinary and holistic approach to patient care, so I went along and booked. Arrived before time but the appointment has been 10 minutes late, not too much problem though. However the service provided by the facilities did not meet my expectations. I have polyarthritis and fibro alongside chronic fatigue syndrome due to chronic pain but I am trying to function as normal as possible, maintaining full time work, therefore I went there hoping to get something that could enhance my quality of life and possibly reduce my pain level. However THIS IS NOT A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH. You will see one person who cannot prescribe, but will only write a letter to your GP with suggestions and what they offer is a 8 weeks programme of complementary services like life changing regimes to change the way you think about pain as pain according to the practicioner is a thing that is in your head and if you change the way you think you will be pain free. So this appointment was a waste of time and extremely unhelpful. I went out more down than lifted with hope of feeling at least a bit better.

Reply from Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:07:11 +0100

Dear MargieP, How lovely of you to take the time to post this wonderful feedback on your experience at your recent dietetic clinic. I am so very pleased to hear that you found it so helpful and supportive and that Leah's advice will enable you to have more control and that you feel able to better manage this situation at home and have some new recipes to try! It is always so lovely to hear where we have managed to make a difference so I have shared your feedback with both the manager of the Dietetic Service Yvonne and Leah herself. Both Yvonne and Leah were delighted to receive this positive feedback and wanted me to let you know that they were grateful that you had taken the time to post. Leah said that it was a pleasure to meet you and she was so pleased to hear that you found the appointment beneficial to help you self-manage your condition. Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch Emma