Lincolnshire Pain Star
Lincolnshire Pain Star was developed by the Lincolnshire Opioids for Non-Cancer Pain Clinical Reference Group (CRG).
The CRG’s mission is to provide education and support for all those living with persistent pain in Lincolnshire, whilst promoting safe and rational prescribing and deprescribing of opioid medication where appropriate.
Progress towards this mission is facilitated through working towards 5 aims. These are:
- Access to community-based education and support for all those living with chronic pain
- Accessible resources and education for healthcare professionals
- Raising awareness around pain and opioids
- Clear pathways to and from specialist care
- Supporting careful, collaborative opioid tapering where appropriate
The Pain Star is a visual representation of these 5 aims and has become the centre piece of our website. Access to all of our information, resources and educational sessions can be found by clicking on the different points of the star.
Our Team:
The Lincolnshire Pain Star has been developed Lincolnshire Opioids for Non-Cancer Pain Clinical Reference Group. The CRG is attended by representatives from across the system, both within Lincolnshire and beyond.
Clinical Lead: Dr Graham Dunthorne
Dr Graham Dunthorne is a GP by background, who has specialised as a GP with Extended Role (GPwER) in Pain Management since 2019. He completed an MSc in Pain Management (Primary and Community Care) in 2022, writing on hypnosis for chronic pain in his dissertation. He works within his local community pain management service, represents the Royal College of General Practice for pain and chairs the Primary and Community Care Specialist Interest Group for the British Pain Society. He delivers national teaching on pain self-management with Live Well with Pain and is an Empowered Relief Instructor.
Project Manager: Emily
Emily is a Project Manager in the Medicines Optimisation team at NHS Lincolnshire ICB, where she has worked for the past five years. With a specialist interest in pain management and a background in holistic Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Emily brings a unique perspective to her work. She has led the Opioids in Non-Cancer Pain project, coordinating its various elements to successfully reduce high-dose opioid prescribing and associated spend, while improving patient care and outcomes. Her approach combines strategic oversight with a deep commitment to safer, more effective pain management.
Project Support Officer: Josh
Josh has been working with the team since August 2023, having previously worked in multiple roles around the NHS including Records Management and Prison Healthcare. Josh now works as a Project Support Officer in the Integrated Care Board's Medicines Optimisation Team and supports the CRG in multiple ways but focuses on the digital aspects of this project, such as organising the Virtual Pain Café and Empowered Relief sessions, as well as maintaining this website.