Group Programs

Self-management refers to the skills and behaviours that can help you live well with persistent pain. Participating in a self-management program will help you learn tools to:

  • decrease stress and body tension
  • develop a healthier lifestyle
  • increase your ability to perform daily tasks
  • become more confident in your ability to manage pain on your own

How do I know if I am ready? 

  • you want to improve your quality of life
  • you are tired of relying solely on medication for pain control
  • you are willing to explore new possibilities in pain management
  • you are willing to challenge old attitudes and beliefs
  • you are aware that thoughts, emotions and behaviour can impact your pain
  • you are eager to learn more about yourself and to do things differently
  • you are open to learning more about current pain science and the active role you can play in desensitizing your nervous system

How do I attend? 

A referral to Island Health’s Pain Program is required. Once your referral is accepted, your referring provider will be notified and you will be added to our Pain Program’s waitlist (approximately 12 months).

The Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) pain program offer different group classes. To learn more, please refer to the following regions:

Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH)
 

Our Self-Management program’s waitlist is currently closed. Please see our RJH Self-Management Pathway PDF for other community resources.

Every patient is registered for orientation – once registered, you will receive a phone call and an email with instructions for attending. 

For more information, please refer to RJH Self-Management Pathway or e-mail us at RJHPainSelfManagement@islandhealth.ca.

Please note that due to the increased demands in our program, the current waits time for Pain Foundations is approximately 12 months. 

Wait times for individual appointments with a psychologist or physiotherapist may take up to two years. 

For additional support, please review the RJH Pain Clinic, Supplementary Therapy and Rehabilitation Patient-Client Supports pdf

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Every patient is registered for orientation – once registered, you will receive a letter in the mail with the date, time, and instructions for attending. For more information please refer to ASCEND Pathway.

General Information on Group Programs

Referral Required?
Required

Learn About

News & Events

A group of people standing with a sign

Currents Summer 2021

Read about your colleagues’ activities, learn about Island Health programs, celebrate achievements and see lots of photos of Island Health employees at work and play.

Read more

People eating lunch at a picnic bench

Island Health Magazine Summer 2021

The summer issue of Island Health magazine includes information on the COVID vaccine; a feature on planning ahead for retirement; Primary Care Networks explained and an in-depth look at the drug-poisoning crisis and some of the projects taking place as part of Island Health’s response.

Read more

magazine cover

Island Health Magazine Spring 2021

Island Health magazine spring 2021 features articles on COVID-19 including a look back at the past year. Also included are articles on the health benefits of spending time in nature, memory loss and aging, and a moving article about one family’s journey with hospice care.

Read more