A message from the Acting CEO

Welcome to the March edition of the 2022 Painaustralia eNews.

As we move into Autumn and with an election looming, there is a sense of transition. With the effects of the pandemic still being felt by consumers living with chronic pain, it is timely now more than ever that chronic pain is recognised as a health priority by the Australian Government.

The Federal Budget later this month is an opportunity for the Government to make a meaningful commitment to chronic pain. Painaustralia’s submission to the Australia Government asked for funding for an app to empower consumers to self-manage their chronic pain and mental health to reduce their dependence on medications, improved access to quality care for individuals living with chronic pain through a National Pain Care Program and the creation of a National Pain Research Alliance. You can read our submission to the 2022-23 Federal Budget here.

I’d like to take a moment to thank our Consumer Advisory Group member Megan Kuleas for appearing in a news article about living with chronic pain and the approaches she uses to manage her conditions.

 

Megan’s story was part of a series of articles by News Limited health reporter Sue Dunlevy highlighting the issue of chronic pain.

Painaustralia Board Director Dr Chris Hayes also featured in one of the articles speaking about steps consumers can take to manage their chronic pain.

In this month’s edition of eNews we have an update on the launch of Canberra Script - the ACT’s new Real Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) program.

There is also an update on the policy areas that Painaustralia has provided feedback on.

This month we feature Deirdre Pinto's story, one of our Consumer Advisory Group members, who talks about her experience with chronic pain and the strategies she uses to manage her chronic pain conditions. 

Finally, our guest article is from the Australian Physiotherapy Association supporting Painaustralia’s National Pain Services Directory which has expanded to include physiotherapists.

I hope you enjoy this edition of eNews.

Monika Boogs, Acting CEO.