Expert Patients Programme
Who is this service for?
This service is for all adults in West Sussex who are living with a long-term health condition.
What does this service offer?
The Expert Patients Programme is a self-management course developed for people who live with any long-term health condition. The course aims to help patients take more control of their health by learning new skills to better manage their condition.
The course is run over six weekly sessions, each lasting two-and-a-half-hours. It is facilitated by two fully qualified (but not medically trained) volunteer tutors who themselves are living with a long-term condition.
The course will cover the following topics:
- How to manage your illness and common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress and depression
- Week by week action planning and problem solving
- Nutrition and exercise
- Communication skills
- Relaxation, distraction and visualisation techniques
- Medication management
- Better breathing
- Dealing with difficult emotions
- Planning for the future
How can I access this service?
To find out more about the Expert Patients Programme or to book a place on a course you can contact the team directly. You do not need a referral from a Health Care Professional.
Telephone: 01403 227000 ext 7547 (with a 24 hour answer phone)
Email: epp@westsussexpct.nhs.uk
Frequently asked questions about the service
Where are courses held?
Courses run regularly throughout the year in accessible community venues across West Sussex
Will everyone on the course have the same condition as me?
No – participants will have diverse long-term conditions, however most people with long-term conditions tend to experience common symptoms and similar issues/problems. The focus of the course isn’t the condition you live with but how to best manage living with the condition.
How many people will be on the course?
A maximum of 16 people (normally between 10 and 14)
Can my partner come on the course with me?
As the course is about self-management we advise that participants attend the course on their own. However, if participants need assistance during the course then a carer can attend. Carers can not participate in the course itself.
Will I need to bring anything with me?
No – all refreshments and course resources, including a course textbook will be provided. However, participants are encouraged to bring anything they require to make themselves comfortable or to manage their health needs during the course.
