Thanks to funding from the League of Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital, a new one-stop-shop for chronic pain management has officially opened at Teddington Health and Social Care Centre (THSCC).

Kingston and Richmond’s chronic pain management service, known as the Pain Clinic, offers a range of interventions for people with long-term pain, including injections, specialist physiotherapy, psychological therapies, and exercise programmes.

Over the past few years, the clinic’s ambitions have been limited by available space and facilities, with some elements being temporarily moved to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton. The clinic’s new location means improved access to specialist support for local people and an enhanced patient experience, with dedicated space for one-to-one support and group interventions.

Representatives from the Trust and colleagues from the League of Friends were joined by Munira Wilson, MP, to celebrate the official opening of the clinic, housed in the new Woodland Suite at THSCC.

As part of the project, the League of Friends launched a competition inviting local primary school children to be involved in naming the new space and contributing artwork. The winning artwork entries were displayed during the opening ceremony and will brighten the clinic for patients and visitors. Some of the young winners, their families and school representatives, also attended the opening event.

Munira Wilson, MP, said: “I am delighted to open this important new service at Teddington Health and Social Care Centre. Chronic pain can have a devastating impact of people’s daily lives, and this clinic will provide vital support and specialist care close to home. It is wonderful to see the community come together to support their local NHS, with generous funding provided by the League of Friends, and the creativity of local school children through their artwork.”

Dr. Prabhu Gandhimani, Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust’s clinical lead for the Pain Clinic, added: “This clinic will allow us to offer more patients personalised care, treatment options and ongoing support in a modern, welcoming environment. Chronic pain is often complex and can be very isolating, but this service will give patients hope and practical help. We are especially pleased that local children have played an important part in providing an uplifting atmosphere.”