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ARE YOU AN EXPERT PATIENT?

 

The Havering Primary Care Trust is looking for expert patients with long term health conditions to help promote programmes of self-management.

 

But what exactly is the Expert Patient Programme?

 

The Expert Patient Programme is a free course in self-management of long-term and chronic health conditions. Over time, many people with these types of conditions become experts at understanding and managing their health because they have to live with the effects of their conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

The Expert Patient Programme recognises the expertise of patients and equips course participants with the self-management skills necessary to improve the quality of their lives. Sessions are led by trainers who live with chronic or long-term health conditions themselves.

 

The course complements but does not replace the medical help provided by GPs and other health care specialists.

 

Who can apply?

 

The course is open to anyone over 18 years of age living in Havering who has a long-term or chronic health condition, for example diabetes, coronary heart disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, epilepsy or arthritis.

Programmes for carers are available locally too.

 

What does the programme involve?

 

It’s a carefully structured series of six meetings that cover a range of topics including:

 

Action planning

Confidence building

Techniques to manage p

Pain, fatigue and depression

 

 

Sessions take place in a supportive environment and are designed to give participants tools to improve their lives. Meetings take place weekly and last for two and half hours, allowing time for participants to share their experiences and learn from each other as well as the trainers.

 

How can I to apply:

 

To apply for a place on the Expert Patient Programme in Havering or for more information, please get in touch:

 

Margaret Jerwood

Suttons View

St. Georges Hospital

117 Suttons Lane

Hornchurch

Essex RM12 6RS

 

Tel: 01708 465 406 or 01708 465 611

 

email: Margaret.jerwood@haveringpct.nhs.uk

email: denise.mortimer@haveringpct.nhs.uk

 

You can also visit the Expert Patients website for further information about the programme at a national level: www.expertpatients.hns.uk