PEOPLE with long-term medical conditions in the Sedgefield borough are leading the way as expert patients.
The Expert Patient Programme is a national scheme developed by the Department of Health, which offers courses to help people manage their illnesses more effectively.
Organised locally by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and the Pioneering Care Partnership, people with conditions including arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues, have completed the first wave of the scheme.
The Sedgefield trust has delivered six courses in just over a year, completed by 65 people. Five of these have gone on to become trainers.
Designed to run alongside medical treatments, the courses are led by tutors who themselves have long-term conditions. Benefits can include reduced severity of symptoms, less pain, more self confidence and better quality of life.
The next course starts on February 10, with a taster day on February 3 to recruit participants. Anyone interested can contact Maxine Lee on (01325) 321234.
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