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Our Pain Management Unit (PMU) provides comprehensive care for people with chronic pain.

About this service

Pain Management Unit (PMU)

Pain that persists for more than three months is called 'chronic' or 'persistent' pain. Chronic pain affects all aspects of life.

We aim to reduce the effect of chronic pain on your life. We do this by supporting you to actively manage your pain through different strategies.

Our team is made up of specialist medical officers, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and registered nurses.

Pain Management is also offered through North Canberra Hospital specialist outpatient clinics.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Assessment Service

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is chronic pain in your arm or leg following an injury.

We provide a physiotherapy-led assessment service for people with new-onset Complex Regional Pain Syndrome symptoms. We provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Acute Pain Service (APS)

Our Acute Pain Service (APS) is an inpatient service provided at Canberra Hospital. It is designed to help you manage pain after surgery or trauma.

Studies have shown that if acute pain is appropriately managed it can reduce the chance of developing chronic or persistent pain.

Who we care for

We care for patients experiencing chronic pain who are referred by General Practitioner or medical specialists.

We mainly see adult outpatients, however we have a limited service for some inpatients (for example, our Acute Pain Service).

How to access this service

You need a detailed written referral from your General Practitioner or Specialist to access our services.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Assessment Service

Your specialist orthopaedic or plastic surgeon can refer to the physiotherapy led assessment service.

What to expect

Once we receive your referral we will triage it and invite you to attend the following sessions.

Pain Orientation and Education Session

This session will give you an overview of our ‘whole person’ approach to managing chronic pain. It is also an opportunity to hear what we offer.

Group Assessment and Planning Session

This is a group-based session where our team supports you to develop your own pain recovery plan, based on your needs and circumstances.

At the end of this session you may choose to seek further support in the form of:

  • Medicine weaning support
    Our medical specialists can assist you to get the greatest benefit from your pain related medications.
  • Pacing group
    This group-based program provides education about gradually increasing everyday activities and exercise.
  • Pain Management Program
    This 6 week group program focuses on values, goal setting, relaxation, graded movement, mindfulness, thoughts and emotions and sleep.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your General Practitioner
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Pain Management Unit, Brindabella Outpatient Service, University of Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to University of Canberra Hospital.

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

You can contact us by:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week