Persistent symptoms impact many individuals, and clinicians may not always have access to the most effective non-medical solutions. Our service, which is no longer accepting referrals, took a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a client’s life, not just the medical side.

Our aim was to improve quality of life and reduce the need for frequent doctor visits. This prototype project helped individuals manage their symptoms when there is no clear medical solution. This service was for patients with long-lasting symptoms who needed extra help to manage them.

This service was for people:

✅ Experiencing long-lasting pain or symptoms - including chronic pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), non-epileptic seizures, and breathlessness.

✅ Registered at one of the following GP practices in Newcastle upon Tyne:

• Cruddas Park Surgery

• Holmside Medical Group

• Throckley Primary Care

• West Road Medical Centre

✅ Living with mild to moderate symptoms that have been going on for between three months and three years.

✅ Ready to work with health staff and try non-medical support for new ways to feel better.

Referrals were carried out by GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Here is what some of them had to say:

“The PPS project has been a great success for West Road Medical Centre, both in terms of patient outcomes and reduction in demand on GP services. This demonstrates clear benefit at both individual and wider system levels.”

“I was delighted to have access to this service for our patients and every patient whom I referred spoke highly of their interactions.”

“I thought the PPS programme was excellent. I felt that for patients that have struggled with various services for years, it was invaluable. In GP we don't have time in our 15 minutes to explore persistent physical symptoms in detail…Some of my patients are the best they have been in years after this programme.”

A peer support group on Living Well with Pain, which Ways to Wellness originally hosted, continues at Cruddas Park Surgery.