Special Interest Group - Primary & Community Care

Supporting Pain Management in Primary and Community Care

The Primary and Community Care Special Interest Group brings together healthcare professionals committed to supporting and improving pain management in primary and community care. We support clinicians, advocate for patients, represent community services within the British Pain Society and contribute to national discussions on pain care. 

Four Pillars 

• Representing Primary and Community Care within the British Pain Society  

• Supporting Clinicians 

• Advocating for Patients 

• Contributing to the national conversation  

Why We Exist 

Most pain care occurs in primary and community settings, yet these services can sometimes be underrepresented in national discussions. The SIG exists to: 

• Represent primary and community care within the British Pain Society. 

• Support healthcare professionals delivering pain care. 

• Share best practice and innovation. 

• Advocate for people living with persistent pain. 

• Contribute to policy, education and service development. 

Our Vision 

A future where every person living with pain has access to high-quality, evidence-based support within their local community. 

Our Values 

• Collaboration 

• Compassion 

• Evidence-based practice 

• Inclusivity 

• Person-centred care 

Current Priorities 

The first ever Chronic Pain in Primary Care Network meeting hosted by the P&CC SIG will take place in July 2026.

What’s On 

BPS P&CC SIG Meeting: Chronic Pain in Primary Care Network
Date: 17 July
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Location: virtual
Register Here

Previous Webinars 

You can access past Webinar recordings Here

Opportunities to get involved 

Further information regarding the work of the SIG is available to BPS Members by clicking here.

Who’s who 

Dr Graham Dunthorne - Chair 

Dr Graham Dunthorne has worked as a GP with an extended role (GPwER) in pain management since 2019 and currently works in a community pain management service. He has chaired the Primary and Community Care Specialist Interest Group of the British Pain Society for the past two years, represents the Royal College of General Practitioners on pain management, and works with Live Well with Pain.

Alongside his pain management role, Graham continues to practice as a GP in urgent care. He has a longstanding interest in medical education, delivering teaching to healthcare professionals and patients. He works as an NHS medical appraiser and a coach and is a trained cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist. His professional interests include lifestyle medicine and promoting safe, sensible prescribing and deprescribing within pain management.

Advice and Guidance  

If you are not currently a Member but would like to join the Society to access the range of Special Interest Groups, please click here.