Centre for Active Lifestyle Management (CALM)

The CALM service is a multi-professional team offering information, support and advice to both patients and professionals to help them manage the problems caused by chronic pain. We can see you individually or in groups.

Patients who see us will be seen by us have access to the specialist knowledge of a physiotherapist, nurse and psychologists experienced in the field of chronic pain.

Location

Assessments and individual appointments are on Bell ward, 2nd Floor Ravensbourne Block, Green Zone, University Hospital Lewisham.

The group outpatient programme is located in the Owen Education Centre, University Hospital Lewisham.

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Contact

Tel: 020 8690 0174

We are available vis telephone Mondays and Tuesdays, 8.30am – 5pm. An answer machine is available at all other times.

Email: LH.CALM@nhs.net

Who we can see

  • Adults 18+ years, 
  • registered with a GP in the London borough of Lewisham,
  • who have chronic, non-malignant, musculo-skeletal pain.


Services available

The CALM service offers individual and group sessions which cover a range of topics including:

Topics covered in the programme include:

  • Information about chronic pain and how it is different from acute pain
  • Explanation about pain diagnoses, investigations and treatment
  • Goal setting and problem solving
  • The importance of movement
  • Planning and pacing of daily activities
  • Dealing with the distress caused by persistent pain
  • Improving communication
  • Medications prescribed for chronic pain
  • Relaxation and distraction
  • Dealing with flare-ups in pain.


How to get a referral

You can only be referred to us by a pain specialist such as a consultant in chronic pain, pain nurse specialist, physiotherapist (including musculoskeletal triage), rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon. You must be registered with a GP in the London borough of Lewisham.

Once you are referred to us, we can offer you an opportunity to attend a Programme Education Session (PES). During this meeting we will explain the complexities of chronic pain and the content of the programme. If someone is interested in attending the programme they need to opt-in by telephone. 

Preparing for your appointment

Please bring a list of any medication you are currently taking to you assessment appointment.

Additionally, you should bring shorts and a t-shirt (or other loose fitting clothing) for your physical examination.

If you have attended any other appointments for pain management at University Hospital Lewisham or elsewhere please bring this information with you.

Our team

  • Dr Stephanie Jarrett, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
  • Sarah MacNeil, Clinical Physiotherapist Specialist
  • Tamzin Bunton, Clinical Nurse Specialist

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