PEOPLE living with long-term medical conditions in east Durham have been invited to take part in an Expert Patient Programme.
The scheme, run by the Easington Primary Care Trust, is part of a national project designed to help people cope with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, heart problems, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues.
The free courses run alongside medical treatment and include advice on seeking out information, talking to doctors and coping with depression.
Coronary heart disease prevention manager for Easington Primary Care Trust, Claire Matthews, said yesterday: "The evidence shows that Expert Patient Programmes really work. They can help reduce severe symptoms, improve quality of life and increase patients' confidence.
"Doctors and medical staff have also found that the programmes help improve relationships with patients and actually reduce consultation time or frequency of visits as patients feel more empowered and in control."
The course will start on Friday, April 30, at Horden Welfare Hall from 10am to 12.30pm.
For details, contact Ms Matthews on 0191-554 5731.
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