Expert Patients Get Their Reward

Free courses available for long-term illness sufferers

The NHS is helping Hammersmith and Fulham residents with long term health problems become experts in their own condition. The latest graduates of the Expert Patients Programme (EPP) were presented with their certificates at an event recently.

The graduation event marked the end of the first year of the full Expert Patients Programme in Hammersmith and Fulham and 6 separate courses have helped 76 local residents. The programme is run by Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Care Trust in partnership with the North Fulham New Deal for Communities.

Nicola Kingston, the programme co-ordinator, said: “It’s all about helping people to help themselves. Living with a condition that cannot be cured can be very difficult, but the course teaches you how to manage your disease so you can get on with your life.”

Marjorie Nalton of Lillie Road, has trouble with back pain and arthritis. Losing her mobility meant she was unable to do things she’d enjoyed in the past and left her feeling rejected. She completed the course in May and said, “It helped get rid of the fears of rejection and improve my confidence and self esteem. The change it has made to my life has been terrific, emotionally and physically. Each day gets better and better. With the exercises I’ve learnt I can now walk the length of North End Road without stopping – before I could hardly manage 20 yards. I can’t praise the tutors enough and would recommend the course to anyone.”

Monica Arora of William Morris Way was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004. She said: “I want to take responsibility for my condition and do everything possible to keep myself well; physically, emotionally and spiritually. The course shows you can take control and gives you back hope. It gives you more faith in yourself to deal with illness, helps you identify your strengths and also shows you where you can turn for help if you need it.”

The Expert Patients Programme is free for Hammersmith and Fulham residents living with a long term medical condition; from asthma and diabetes to HIV and heart disease.

Judith Ralphs who works with Nicola Kingston, added: “The course teaches people about nutrition and exercise, managing pain and fatigue, relaxation techniques and alternative therapies, and how to talk openly about their condition with family and health professionals. It’s also a chance to meet other people with similar experiences.”

Nationally, a new social enterprise is being set up with investment of more than £13million to be spent in 2006 on EPP courses. Harry Cayton, the national chairman of the EPP attended the Hammersmith and Fulham event to congratulate the latest graduates. He said: “I am delighted to see for myself the successes of the local EPP programme. It is really good to listen to the EPP graduates tell their stories and see the effect the programme is having in improving people’s lives. I know that the partnership between the PCT and the North Fulham NDC is working well and I thank them for their commitment.”

The PCT is extending the programme in the year ahead, with courses planned for Arabic speakers, carers, healthcare staff, prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs, and a tutor training course. Ms Kingston added: “Many people who’ve been through the course have said they’d like to help others by becoming tutors. Which is great news and means the programme will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

May 4, 2006