The NHS is once again inviting local patients with long term conditions to take part in an exciting course aimed at helping them to cope better with their daily lives. Courses are starting locally in March in Cheltenham. Hurry, only a few places remain on the next course!

The unique programme, brought over from the USA and known as the Expert Patient Programme, consists of a course of 6 group sessions designed to help people manage their condition on a day-to-day basis. The course is entirely funded by the NHS with no cost for patients. The course is run by trained patients themselves rather than by health service staff, and is aimed at patients with long-term chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Asthma, Multiple Sclerosis and many others.

Some topics covered in the course

• Techniques to help you manage fatigue and pain and the emotional changes brought about by your condition.
  
  
• How to plan for the future and get the most out of life.
  
  
• Develop skills to avoid fear, anger, frustration and depression.
  
  
• Communicate more effectively with friends and health care professionals.
  
  
• How to take care of your health – looking at diet, exercising and relaxation.
  
  
  

Why do a course, what is so special?

People living with a long-term condition experience similar day-to-day problems.

With the understanding of people facing these similar problems and within a supportive environment, they will redevelop existing skills, share common experiences, and feel more able to take control. Participants who have been on the course have said the following:

‘Thoroughly enjoyed the course and meeting people with other physical problems makes my disablement easier to bear’.

‘The exercise and deep breathing techniques in particular have reduced the severity of my symptoms, and the daily stress I feel’.

‘Socialising and talking about my problems has taken my mind off myself and made me more considerate of others’.

How can you qualify?

Anyone over the age of 18 with a long-term health condition, which is impairing their daily life. For example: Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, M.E., Parkinson’s Disease or other.

The next course in Cheltenham will take place at St Paul’s Medical Centre, Swindon Lane, Cheltenham, from 2pm – 4.30pm every Wednesday from March 23rd to April 27th 2005. If you think you may be interested or would like more information please contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828 or email Marianne.mcdowell@glos.nhs.uk. There are only a few places left on this course, so register now!

The next course in Bishops Cleeve will take place at Bishops Cleeve Youth and Community Centre, Church Road, Bishops Cleeve, from 10am to 12.30pm every Friday from April 15th to May 20th 2005. If you think you may be interested or would like more information please contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828 or email Marianne.mcdowell@glos.nhs.uk

Expert Patient Courses planned for the rest of the year:

• June: Winchcombe (contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828)
  
  
• July: Cheltenham evening course (contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828)
  
  
• September: Tewkesbury (contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828)
  
  
• October: Cheltenham (contact Marianne McDowell on 01242 548828)