Pain Control Service

At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), we understand that pain can be distressing for children and families. Our Pain Control Service is dedicated to safely managing and reducing your child’s pain using a variety of methods tailored to their needs. We work alongside doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other specialists to ensure the best possible care.

What we treat

We see many children and young people with a variety of acute and chronic pain problems.

Inpatients who are referred to us with pain following surgery or who require more complex pain management will be visited by the pain control service daily. We work closely with the wards to ensure children and young people at GOSH receive the best possible care for their pain.

Outpatients can be referred to the children's chronic pain management clinic and will be seen by our outpatient team, who will conduct a thorough assessment with a view to putting an appropriate pain management plan in place.

Acute Pain Service

Pain after surgery is common, but we take steps to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible. Our team works closely with surgeons and anaesthetists to create a post-surgery pain management plan.

Information about managing pain after surgery

Chronic Pain Service

Some children experience long-term pain that requires specialised care. Our Chronic Pain Service provides ongoing support to help manage persistent pain through a combination of therapies, medication, and psychological support.

Referrals and appointments

If you think your child needs support from the Pain Control Service, a referral can be made by your GP or a hospital specialist. Once referred, we will arrange an appointment to assess your child's needs and develop a personalised pain management plan.

Find out about referrals to the Pain Control Service

Appointments at the Pain Management Service

Research

The Pain Control Service is active in research and some of our members are part of the UCL Paediatric Pain Research Group.

Find out about our research and recent publications.