I AM writing with reference to the article regarding the York Pain Clinic (October 27).

When I developed chronic pain I was referred by my GP to the York Pain Clinic and was seen by consultant Dr P Hall.

He was very kind and sympathetic and was able to discuss with me many of the problems that my pain was causing.

He referred me to the pain management programme and, by following all the things that they taught me on the course, I am now more able to cope with my life.

I would urge anyone else who has similar problems to consider undertaking this course if they are given the opportunity.

To do this they need to go through their GP to be referred to the clinic.

I now help to run the York Pain Management Support Group which is for those people who have completed the programme.

Members meet every two months and the meetings give us all a chance to get together, instead of staying at home in pain, and feeling isolated.

I would like to thank Dr Hall and his colleagues at the pain clinic and also the staff of the Pain Management Programme for their help and kindness given to me.

L M Hatton,

Chair of the York Pain Management Support Group,

Galtres Road,

York.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, December 08, 2005