Putting People First is NHS Grampian’s approach to create a more equal partnership with the public to create more preventative and holistic models of care. As part of this, we are working across Grampian to test Community Appointment Days (CAD).
We held our third CAD on the 5th February 2025 at the Aberdeen City Vaccination Centre which focused on supporting individuals with chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a common condition and is reported to affect 38% of adults living in Scotland. Chronic pain can affect many aspects of day-to-day life and wider health. People living with chronic pain are asking to be empowered and supported to better understand their condition and engage in shared decision making around their care. CAD can offer the first step in supporting this much needed approach.
127 people attended the event which was developed in partnership with those living with chronic pain. Representatives from our health, social care, and community partners provided a range of health and wellbeing support and advice.
Feedback from attendees was that we were able to create an environment where people felt they had the time and space to speak openly, were truly listened to, and felt understood and supported in finding alternative strategies for managing their chronic pain. Additionally, we addressed the broader health challenges that have been impacted by their condition.
Learning from the event will be used to develop further community appointment day approaches.
Watch the video below to find out more:
Aberdeen Community Appointment Day - Chronic Pain (5/2/25) - YouTube