Expert Patients Programme
What is an Expert Patient?
Expert patients are people living with a long-term health condition, who are able to take more control over their health by understanding and managing their conditions, leading to an improved quality of life. Expert patients...
- Feel confident and in control of their lives
- Aim to manage their condition and its treatment in partnership with health care professionals
- Use their skills and knowledge to lead full lives.
What does it involve?
The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a chronic disease self-management programme for anyone living with any long term health condition(s) and is free to you as it is funded by the NHS. Groups of 8-16 participants, with a mix of different conditions, meet over six weekly sessions and are led through a structured course by trained tutors who are also living with a long-term condition. Each 2½ hour session looks at ways to manage the effects of long-term condition such as:
- dealing with pain and extreme tiredness
- coping with feelings of depression
- relaxation techniques and exercise
- healthy eating
- planning for the future
- communicating with family, friends and health professionals
What people are saying...
“I am pleased to say that over the 6 weeks of the course I already feel more in control of my life, and as a consequence feel an improvement in my mental, physical and emotional health. In the long term I hope this will mean fewer visits to the surgery; and a better quality of life”.
"Attending the programme has helped me to accept that although my illness has affected my quality of life it does not and should not stop me from living my life."
"The course gave me the confidence to take back my own life and not rely on other people all the time."
"Just knowing you are not alone is encouraging enough."
"The EPP is an excellent resource for someone either facing the prospect of long term medical conditions or currently trying to cope with long term medical conditions."
"The EPP has given me a new confidence that will and has had a positive impact on my life."
"The course, in my view, has the potential to help thousands more people with long term and chronic conditions."
"Without any reservations I will gladly recommend the course to others!"Forthcoming Expert Patients Programme Courses
Each course runs for 6 consecutive weeks
Venue: Plymouth Guild|
23 February, |
| 3,10,17,24 April, 1,8 May 2012 Tuesdays 10am-12.30pm |
| 3,10,17,24,31 May, 7 June 2012 Thursdays 2pm-4.30pm |
| 11,18,25 June, 2,9,16 July 2012 Mondays 10am-12.30pm |
| 30 August, 6,13,20,27 September, 4 October 2012 Thursdays 10am-12.30pm |
Contact Us
For further information please contact:
Jan White - Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator
- Telephone: 01752 201766
- Fax: 01752 202214
- Email: epp@plymouthguild.org.uk
- Post: Plymouth Guild, Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA
