A message from the CEO

With the significant public health crisis that COVID-19 has presented, it is clear that the impact is felt disproportionately by people living with chronic health conditions including chronic pain.  At Painaustralia we have seen an increased call for quality, credible and tailored information relevant to people living with pain conditions.    

Concerns have ranged from susceptibility to the virus due to increased compromised immunity, access to treatment and support, medication availability and contraindications and the mental health anxiety caused by the uncertainty and fear living in a time of pandemic crisis.

To meet the pressing need for accurate, evidence-based information through the COVID-19 pandemic, Painaustralia has launched the COVID-19 microsite. This information hub will provide both people living with chronic pain and health professionals in the sector with updated information on the pandemic as well as useful resources that can support pain management through this time.

Even during this all-consuming pandemic, it was good to see the SBS Insight episode on chronic pain. With a reach of over 7.5 million viewers, the episode featured Painaustralia Consumer Advisory Group Chair Sister Mary-Lynne Cochrane, Painaustralia Champion Veteran Peter Rudland, and Painaustralia Board Director Professor Paul Glare.  The program took an in-depth view of the immense public health challenge that is presented by chronic pain. 

So much has happened in the space of these four brief months of 2020, it almost seems impossible to reflect on 2019. We held our Annual General Meeting on 1 May, which saw the launch of our 2019 Annual Report. The production of this document has been a useful and timely exercise in reminding us all here at Painaustralia that we are making real progress towards addressing chronic pain in Australia, but the magnitude of the task ahead is still immense.

I am pleased to announce that Painaustralia has also now commenced work on consumer awareness and education activities announced by Federal Health Minister the Hon Greg Hunt MP last year as part of the implementation of the National Action Plan. We look forward to working with the chronic pain community, our members, as well as the broader health sector to advance the objectives of this significant work in providing a hub of best practice resources and information to support those working with, caring for and living with chronic pain.

I hope you enjoy this issue.