Michael Matheson, Public Health Minister, has confirmed that a new chronic pain centre is to be created in Glasgow.

The dedicated team will be located at the Gartnavel Hospital site and will provide residential courses for patients and carers on how to cope with the effects of chronic pain, as well as how to manage their condition.

It is thought the first patients will be able to use the service by January 2015, with the centre running at full capacity by 2016.

Mr Matheson said: "I am delighted to be able to announce that the new national centre of excellence for chronic pain will be based at the Gartnavel Hospital site in Glasgow. This is an excellent location for the new service, with good transport links, and a large population within easy reach.

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"Chronic pain can be distressing and difficult to deal with, but we know that if the condition is managed well, it can make a huge difference. That's why this new national service, based at a single location, will have a truly positive impact on people's lives.

"The establishment of this new national service in Scotland is a major milestone for people who suffer from chronic pain. We're determined that patients will have access to the very best services without having to take the long journey to the south of England. This new national centre comes on the back of a £1.3 million investment in chronic pain services nationally.

"We are working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure that the new facilities are up and running as soon as possible."

(JP)