Evidence Submission (Personal Narrative): Chronic back pain and cuts to services

I have had chronic back problems for over 2 years and am currently receiving treatment at Homerton Hospital. I have not responded to more conservative treatments and was discharged by the physiotherapy team after it was clear to them that I was not improving. My consultant has recommended that I have spinal steroid injections for pain management every 4 months. I had my last injections in early January, meaning that my next set should have been in early May. When I phoned to chase this, I was told that the Saturday clinic was no longer running and all patients who attended this clinic had to be fitted in with the Monday afternoon clinic. My injection has been arranged for early September, 8 months after my last one, rather than the 4 months recommended.

This is clearly an example of cuts having a real impact on patients and their health. Chronic pain is a miserable group of illnesses, and for me personally has meant that I have sought alternative treatments to manage the pain, so far costing me over £300 – I cannot afford this regularly, and am in danger of getting myself into debt, but it is necessary.

Evidence Submission by: Clare Pearson