REGARDING your report on the pain management clinic at Blackburn Infirmary (LET, May 27), I extend my sympathy to Mrs Mavis Reeve in relation to living with chronic pain.

I was a regular in-patient of Dr Chad Taylor and since his departure I, like many other people, am now left wondering what the future holds.

The team at the pain management centre gave me nothing but a first-class service. I was placed on Dr Taylor's "loop system" which enabled me to be in control of my treatment. This was a very empowering step in patient care, but sadly no more!

I have recently had to be re-referred back to the pain management centre even though I was a long-term patient, so I am waiting like Mrs Reeve!

Pain management centres are few and far between, as they are a relatively new concept in patient care. Chronic pain is disabling, depressing and misunderstood, and I look forward to the day when the government recognises the need for funding this specialism!

MARI THOMPSON (Mrs), Thorn Hill Close, Chester Park, Blackburn.