Expert Patient Programme
What is the service?
Our Expert Patient Programme (EPP) service is a FREE self-management course for individuals suffering with long-term medical conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) , Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Heart Failure, Asthma, Stroke, Cystic Fibrosis, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. By attending the course you will gain a better understanding of your condition, thus empowering you to take more control over your health and wellbeing.
The course involves attending weekly meetings over a 6-week period. Each meeting lasts for 2.5 hours.
What does the service do?
EPP provides you with skills, motivation and confidence to:
- Better manage your medical condition
- Work effectively with health and social care professionals
- Take control of your health
How can it help?
Attending the course will enable you to build your confidence and allow you to help both yourself and others with similar conditions.
Under the guidance of an approved and understanding facilitator, you will join people with similar conditions who are themselves working to find better ways to manage their conditions.
Who is it for?
This service is available to people who are currently living with, or caring for someone with, a long-term medical condition and who could benefit from information on managing their condition.
To be eligible to enrol on the programme you must:
- Be registered with a doctor
- Be over 18 year old
Where is it located?
EPP courses are available, at local venues near you, such as at Health Centres, local community institutions and religious or cultural centres.
For information regarding specific locations, please call our Freephone number, 0800 158 35 35, and one of our members of staff will be pleased to help you.
New EPP courses starting soon…
Nishkam Centre – 28th Sept, 11am – 1.30pm
City Hospital – 22nd Oct, 11.30am – 2.00pm
To get involved call Health Exchange on 0121 663 0007
Case Study
“The six week programme allows us to build real relationships with the group members, making it a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the participants and us as facilitators.” – Heather Sinclair EPP Tutor
Before taking our course in Sparkhill, Shenaz was having problems with her arthritis. These problems were stopping her enjoying things she used to, like going out for walks and being active. Through her membership with the Health Exchange she heard about EPP, and decided to give it a go.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the course as it has helped me to cope with my arthritis and also understand about a number of other problems that I had no knowledge of before I started this course.
“At the beginning I was not confident about making my ‘action plan’ for the week but with the help of Claire and Heather (EPP Tutors) I managed to achieve what my action plans were.
“In my first week I made a plan to make sure I got two and a half hours of exercise a week. My second week was to eat healthily three days of the week. My third week was to sleep early for two nights of the week.
I have managed all of the above in just six weeks! I am amazed myself at my achievement and I feel that I can really get in the habit of achieving all three actions on a long term basis. I feel healthier now and enjoy life more.”
Since completing the course Shenaz is able to manage her arthritis, together with her medication, and is doing regular exercise activities each week. She is loving her new healthier lifestyle.
