PEOPLE in east Durham who have long-term medical conditions are being offered the chance to take part in Expert Patient programmes.

The national scheme, which has been developed by the Department of Health, has been designed to offer courses to help people cope with long- term conditions or illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis and mental health problems.

Administered locally by Easington Primary Care Trust, the programmes will run alongside medical treatments and will include advice about seeking information, talking to doctors and coping with depression. All the programmes are free.

Claire Matthews, a health promotion specialist with the trust, said: "The evidence shows that Expert Patient programmes really work. They can help reduce severe symptoms, improve quality of life and increase patients' confidence."

She said: "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 the patient feels more empowered and in control."

The course will start on Wednesday, September 10, at Hill Rigg House, Lowhills Road, Peterlee, from 10am to 12.30pm.

Between 12 and 16 people are needed to make a course viable and the programmes will run over six consecutive weeks with each session lasting approximately two-and-a-half hours.

For details about the programmes call Ms Matthews on 0191-554 5724.