Celebrating 30 Years: Powys Living Well Service Press Release

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Powys Living Well Service, a healthcare initiative that began in 1994 in association with Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Trust, London. Initially established as the Input Pain Management Centre, a sister unit to St Thomas Hospital in Westminster, the service has undergone significant transformations in the past three decades keeping pace with effective care for individuals living with long term conditions.

Originally conceived as a residential service for users across Wales and England, the centre was first housed in Glasbury Ward, Bronllys, which now serves as the location for the CEO and directors' offices. The need for a dedicated space soon led to its relocation to Ty Cloc, where it continued to serve as a residential service. Over time, as each health board developed its own pain management service, the Input Pain Management Centre transformed into what is now known as the Powys Living Well
Service.

Today, the Powys Living Well Service stands at the forefront of digital transformation and person-centred care. The majority of appointments are now conducted virtually, reflecting the service’s commitment to accessibility and digital transformation in healthcare. This shift has been further supported by collaborations with local services, including Powys Libraries, which provide iPad loans to support people to attend virtual consultations. The Powys Living Well Service has expanded its scope beyond pain management to incorporate a wider range of health and wellbeing focused activities, including weight management, chronic fatigue and more recently, long covid. This collaborative approach has earned the team a number of accolades, including the Powys Teaching Health Board Staff Excellence Award 2023 for Partnerships and Working Together, and the NHS Wales Sustainability Award for Cohesive Communities.

Looking to the future, the Powys Living Well Service continues to innovate and adapt. Powys Living Well Service now comprises a variety of roles, building strength through a multi-disciplinary clinical team and business support staff. Together, they are dedicated to ensuring that the service remains accessible and meets the evolving needs of its users for years to come.

From its inception in 1994, the then Input Pain Management Centre has continually adapted to meet the needs of its service users. Now, as the Powys Living Well Service celebrates its 30th anniversary, it remains committed to digital innovation in healthcare, fostering collaborations that enhance service user care, and providing sustainable person-centred care.