DUDLEY'S hospital trust has expanded its specialist team to help patients with pain management after surgery, trauma or flare up of chronic pain to cope with the rising number of high-risk patients and to help cut stays in hospital.

Bosses at Russells Hall Hospital say they are seeing more and more elderly patients with a number of conditions having surgery, often in emergencies.

The patients need a high level of support after having operations, and after a 10-month pilot scheme The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has increased its funding for the inpatient pain team – providing longer cover on weekdays and at weekends.

Consultant anaesthetist and pain physician Dr Alifia Tameem said: “The scope of the inpatient pain service has expanded over the past few years to include pain management in medical patients and those with more complex background chronic pain or drug misuse. This includes patients in the Acute Medical Unit, Emergency Department, as well as paediatric patients.

“The management of pain after surgery can be challenging in patients with chronic pain and it can slow their recovery. Not only is this bad for the patient, but it ties up beds.”

The expanded team will allow an increase in nursing cover seven days a week, more training for ward staff, and an enhanced recovery scheme for patients having colorectal surgery, reducing their length of stay.

Dr Tameem said: “Postoperative pain can be a major factor in preventing colorectal patients getting up and about after surgery. The expanded team will help with their pain management and mobilisation, encouraging them to drink and eat as early as appropriate after their surgery, which means they are able to go home sooner.”

She added: “Patients with complex pain problems require a specific set of clinical skills, and the pain service is pivotal in co-ordinating multidisciplinary teams to manage these patients with individualised plans.

“Inadequate relief of acute pain may impact significantly on the rehabilitation of patients, and is a significant risk factor for the transition from acute to chronic pain. The development of chronic pain following surgery is relatively common, and is associated with a high prevalence of psychological illness, loss of income and increased healthcare use for the patient.

“This expansion also allows us to support ongoing care in the community and reduce the impact on secondary care services.”

The pilot scheme showed colorectal patients were discharged around a day earlier than previously, and patients with rib fractures were much less likely to develop complications and be admitted to the high dependency unit.

Chief executive Diane Wake said: “Improving patient experience, including effective pain management, is a key priority for the Trust. The pilot scheme had shown the difference that could be made and we were happy to support the inpatient pain team with this proposal.

“We always look to provide the best possible care and this includes reviewing our services to meet the developing needs of our community.”